SPOTLIGHT By Wendy Wall Chic BEco-Cycle icyclists have a lot to consider when buying a new ride, and appearance usually only plays a small part. But here’s a bike that’s got all the essentials plus the added bonus of good looks. Handcrafted in Santa Cruz, Calfee Design’s Bamboo Fixie is created primarily from – you guessed it – bamboo. While this might seem like a surprising choice in an industry dominated by carbon fiber, steel, aluminum and titanium, bamboo has a number of merits. It’s stiff, so it can efficiently transfer power, durable enough to withstand stress and impact, and it does a great job of dampening vibrations. It’s also eco-friendly. Each of the handmade custom frames is created from treated bamboo that won’t split, and tubes that are chosen specifically for the rider-to-be. Lugs made of hemp fiber hold the bikes together, and all of the cycles are protected by a 10-year warranty. To acquire your own custom Fixie, visit calfeedesign.com; buy one for $3,995. E x c i t i n F i n d s E x c i t i n g F i n d s 6 South Bay Accent Mod Menorah Tradition may dictate how and when a menorah is lit, but no one says the menorah itself has to be traditional. Why not find one that suits your individual taste? Recent years have seen an influx of creatively crafted candelabras, and Jonathan Adler’s ceramic elephant is an excellent example. Part style, part whimsy, his playful pachyderm adds a bit of flair to the ritualistic festival of lights. Adler’s elephant contains eight low candle holders, like a good menorah should, and the creature’s raised trunk holds the Shamesh. The stark white body is striking when contrasted with standard blue tapered candles, or it looks exceptionally festive with the snow-covered pale blue dripless candles the company offers on its website. Visit jonathanadler.com to find the merry menorah for $128. Rainy Day IColor f the drought isn’t enough of a reason to do a rain dance, here’s another one: the color wheel stick umbrella. With more hues than a rainbow, the cheerful canopy from Uncommon Goods is sure to put you in a sunny frame of mind. The umbrella features 24 different panels (regular umbrellas have just eight), making it sturdier than your average rain guard. At 40 inches wide, it’s big enough for two people to fit under, and it features a rubber-coated handle so hands won’t slip. The nylon, metal-framed umbrella also boasts coated rib tips so no one gets poked. If you’re looking for a smaller dose of sunshine, the umbrella comes in a mini version, too. To brighten your rainy day, visit uncommongoods.com, where the color wheel stick umbrella is available for $40. This eco-friendly bamboo bike is built by hand!
South Bay Accent - Dec 2014/Jan 2015
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