Just for Fun

[dwright17]

I often get money for presents since I'm rather picky, and also tend to not wait until my birthday or Christmas to get what I want. So I was thinking the other night, wouldn't it be fun to send the great folks at Tom Bihn the stash of cash and say, "Surprise me!" What would you hope for? Would you want to give guidance, such as "I really love this color, but not that color . . ." Would you provide them with a list of what you have so you don't get another, or would you actually hope to get another color of the same bag? Would you hope for one big bag, or for a whole bunch of accessories? I just thought this would be a fun thread to see what people came up with. Always fun to dream!

[dorayme]

Oh, this thread looks like fun! I think I am by nature too controlling and too particular to give up all preferences and not worry about another person picking anything for me.

As it is, I call Katy for every order to ensure I get exactly what I want, though I know that Brian would also do an excellent job of helping me out.

I know the crew at TB is very perceptive and aware of what I like as evidenced by most of what has been offered since I have become a customer. Almost all of it has been stuff that I really like. Really REALLY like.

So, my nature isn't brave enough to give up control completely, but my confidence in the crew would make me consider this if I wasn't already planning out my next few purchases.

Going by how things are tonight, if I had a cash (without my present wish list, yet knew the money was to be spent on TB) I would give color preferences and a list of preferred style of bags and maybe see what came in the brown box. Patience isn't one of my virtues, but I do love surprises and thoughtful gifts.

[cucciasv]

I know the crew at TB is very perceptive and aware of what I like as evidenced by most of what has been offered since I have become a customer. Almost all of it has been stuff that I really like. Really REALLY like.

As I have stated before, Tom Bihn is like Steve Jobs, he (with his crew) knows what we need before we know what we need and that we do, in fact, need it!

This thread looks interesting ... and, yes, dangerous! I'm going to think about it a bit...

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Someone please help me!
I have BAS (Bihn Acquisition Syndrome)!!

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[Badger]

I think at this point I'd say "Surprise me." Katy and Brian know what bags I have, what colors I like, and the few color regrets I have—for instance, I regularly convince myself that my Smart Alec is Black/Iberian and when I remember it's Black/Steel I get morose; when I remember that my Western Flyer is UV on the inside, um, well. While I definitely have a short wish list, I'd be happy to get anything that was selected just for me.

[Tlacltme]

I think at this point I'd say "Surprise me." Katy and Brian know what bags I have, what colors I like, and the few color regrets I have—for instance, I regularly convince myself that my Smart Alec is Black/Iberian and when I remember it's Black/Steel I get morose; when I remember that my Western Flyer is UV on the inside, um, well. While I definitely have a short wish list, I'd be happy to get anything that was selected just for me.

Badger, you need a DO-OVER.

And unlike some of us, (sniffle, sniffle, Turq/Wasabi LCB, I'm talking about you) you actually CAN do a DO-OVER because Black/Iberian Smart Alecs and Steel/Iberian Western Flyers (both styles) ARE AVAILABLE!

So, sell your Black/steel Smart Alec and Steel/UV Western Flyer on ebay. I've noticed that Tom Bihn items generally sell very well- often for 3/4 or more of the original price!
And then order your replacement SA and WF.

You will be happier. Because, really, it's not the end of the world I know, but color really does make a difference. And life is short and often difficult and so if you can do something small, legal, and moral to tweak it in your favor, well, do it!

I speak from experience- both positive and negative. I ended up ordering another Synapse, even tho I already had a beautiful black/UV one (that I liked quite a bit) because my dream color combo became available (Navy/Iberian)...and I haven't regretted it for a second. There are enough little people/backpack users in this house that I didn't actually sell my black Synapse, but I would have without the munchkins. The Navy/Iberian Synapse now houses my novel-in-progress and I use it every day and, truly, get a thrill at the nifty N/I combo EVERY TIME. Just sayin'.... :)

[Badger]

Badger, you need a DO-OVER.

Sigh. If I had a nickel for every time I said THAT to myself.

Both the Smart Alec and WF are fine. Really. What I wanted, and should have gotten, was a Steel/Solar WF, which, as we all know, has gone the way of the dodo. I went temporarily insane and chose UV. What I've decided to do with the SA is get some Iberian OPs to go in it. To be honest, now that I've used the bags a bunch of times, I associate them with particular travels and I'm not sure I can give them up. I'd have less of a problem if the bags weren't functional.

[Tlacltme]

Well, the functionality won't change regardless of the color combo :)

But, I hear ya.

Incidentally, what do you think of the SA vs WF for travels? Day to day use? I don't own either one, but I've always been curious because they have the same capacity but, obviously, have a very different lay out. Do you have a preference for one over the other (this assumes the TB axiom that of course they are well made and overall pretty awesome)? Just curious....

[Tlacltme]

Oh, this thread looks like fun! I think I am by nature too controlling and too particular to give up all preferences and not worry about another person picking anything for me.

As it is, I call Katy for every order to ensure I get exactly what I want, though I know that Brian would also do an excellent job of helping me out.

I know the crew at TB is very perceptive and aware of what I like as evidenced by most of what has been offered since I have become a customer. Almost all of it has been stuff that I really like. Really REALLY like.

So, my nature isn't brave enough to give up control completely, but my confidence in the crew would make me consider this if I wasn't already planning out my next few purchases.

Going by how things are tonight, if I had a cash (without my present wish list, yet knew the money was to be spent on TB) I would give color preferences and a list of preferred style of bags and maybe see what came in the brown box. Patience isn't one of my virtues, but I do love surprises and thoughtful gifts.

Ditto. Exactly. Minus the calling Katy for every order. I seem to be a whiz at the online ordering....probably because I dare not make a phone call what with the everpresent background muzak of eight kids clamoring for mom/singing/playing/arguing.

[gochicken]

"I went temporarily insane..."

Badger, I know that feeling..... I took a Solar Travel Tray out of my shopping basket once. I had already gifted one to a dear friend and thought, "I'll just get another for me" and in a momentary lapse of judgement, I took it out and have regretted it ever since. At least I am comforted that my dear friend loves and uses it... so I just will enjoy it vicariously through her. :)

Maybe if I send the TB folks my "stash of cash", they would surprise me with a Solar Travel Tray they miraculously found in a forgotten corner of the factory? I know, I know.... that won't happen, but as dwright17 said it's "Always fun to dream!"

[Katy]

"I went temporarily insane..."

Badger, I know that feeling..... I took a Solar Travel Tray out of my shopping basket once. I had already gifted one to a dear friend and thought, "I'll just get another for me" and in a momentary lapse of judgement, I took it out and have regretted it ever since. At least I am comforted that my dear friend loves and uses it... so I just will enjoy it vicariously through her. :)

Maybe if I send the TB folks my "stash of cash", they would surprise me with a Solar Travel Tray they miraculously found in a forgotten corner of the factory? I know, I know.... that won't happen, but as dwright17 said it's "Always fun to dream!"

Hold onto your pants! Because.....there is totally a Solar Travel Tray in the showroom and it's all yours!

[Badger]

Well, the functionality won't change regardless of the color combo :)

Well, yeah. That's what I'm saying. So, I'll keep my WF although the inside frightens me just a little bit.

Re: SA vs WF. I like both, but although they are the same size, I don't think of them as interchangeable. I know some people were asking about using the WF as an EDC briefcase, but it's too big in my opinion. To me, the WF is more like a suitcase. I use it mostly for nice weekends away with the missus and for light conference travel. The separate packing areas keep dress clothes tidy and wrinkle-free. I definitely use the SA as a school/work backpack. When I have a lot of stuff to take to work, nothing beats it. I have packed for a casual weekend in the SA, and it worked nicely, but since I prefer to pack into packing folders, I generally find that the WF is best for clothes. HTH!

[gochicken]

Hold onto your pants! Because.....there is totally a Solar Travel Tray in the showroom and it's all yours!

I'm afraid to breathe because this bubble will pop and I will be back to reality. Could it be true? Do my eyes deceive me? I was waiting for the new color to come out before I place my next order... would you really save this for me?

[pocketsize]

Aww, I was half hoping there would be a Solar something for me. :( I should've ordered when I had the chance! Oh well, Gochicken can have it. :)

Also Badger, it really is a shame you're not letting go of your WF, because I saw it and I wanted it. *sigh*

If I had a stack of cash, I would probably say "Surprise me". Since I know certain bags don't come in the colors or combos that I want, I wouldn't add the bags to my order until I knew the combos would change. (But maybe if I bribed someone enough [a million bucks or more] they would secretly find a bolt of Solar dyneema in the back corner of the factory. :) )

[gochicken]

Just checking in this morning to see if Katy has posted a "Just Kidding" reply. I have my Wish List all filled out and ready to convert to shopping cart with TT ordered and "Solar" in the notes.... still holding my breath!

Per dwright17's "Always fun to dream!" I tried to dream of a Solar TT last night, but was rudely awakened at 4 AM by a beeping smoke alarm and vomiting dog. Poor Kibbles...

Thanks, pocketsize.... I feel a bit guilty... but I have been thinking about a Solar TT all this time. Dorayme and I had a conversation on Ravelry way back in August about my regrets and she said, "If it was meant for you to have one, one will come to you." How did she know?......

[Badger]

Also Badger, it really is a shame you're not letting go of your WF, because I saw it and I wanted it. *sigh*

PM me and we'll talk.