Don't know if anyone else has seen him, but there's a black guy who rides around central London, on a top end road bike, in full 'team' lycra etc, all blinged up. I don't know if he races, but I've seen him a few times, he seems to find a spot and 'pose' for a while. He's a good looking bloke, and the first time I saw him, I thought it might be a fashion shoot or something, but there's no cameras around. It's a bit weird; he and the bike are immaculately turned out, in the most expensive gear, but there seems to be no purpose other than to look good. Ah well. He's not doing anyone any harm I suppose. I find it amusing, if a little bit daft.
There are some real monstrosities around London. Lots of really cheap bodged Appollos and the like, and plenty of stupid fixed gear bikes with silly narrow handlebars, being ridden by Camden Trendy types. There's another feller, has millions of lights and attachments on his bike; the thing must weigh a ton. I like to see a bit of eccentricity though.
I think there's too much money down there, people just go into a bike shop and buy the most thing they can, thinking it will be 'best' without really considering what they need it for.
I think this is true. More money than sense, some folk. And bike shops that are willing to part fools from their money. Still, it keeps the cycle trade ticking over, and it's all bikes, so it's all good.
I've seen people with 6" 'All Mountain' bikes at places like Swinley. Now that is silly.