I'm surprised no one has used the B word yet!
I mean, if theres a bike that has had insane amounts of cash poured in its general direction it must be the Brompton. Adding a Rohloff hub... well, if you really like them - at least its quality kit in it's own right, but while you're at it, that new rear triangle you need or the job ... might as well have titanium...and then if you replace the forks (titanium anyone?) you can have disc brakes...
And then there's the outright bling - £140 for a new pair of frame clamp screws? Really? Take a gander at Bikeganghut and be startled. Mmm Maybe hand your cards to your significant other while you're off viewing some of the hardest bike porn around...
You would be quite justified in pointing out that some of this stuff has
some merit. Might actually be more functional for some individuals. What I can't get over is the fact that the vast majority of the people who buy this stuff start by buying a nice, new, and fully functional bike and in some cases having major "upgrades" done before even sitting on it. They'd do much better donating to the relief of aging cynics...
Wouldn't they?
Trying to retain enough fitness to grow old disgracefully... That hasn't changed!