TORONTO - The alleged mastermind of a massive bike-theft ring in Toronto almost went unnoticed at a court appearance today despite weeks of intense media scrutiny.

Igor Kenk, 49, appeared in court looking dramatically unlike the bearded, shaggy-haired man in countless news reports since his arrest July 16.

The owner of The Bike Clinic, who was freed on $275,000 bail over the weekend, was instead tidily dressed and clean-shaven with neatly combed short brown hair.

Kenk, who faces 58 counts of theft and drug possession, stood motionless as he was ordered to return to court Sept. 24.

Police recovered nearly 3,000 stolen bicycles, as well as quantities of marijuana, cocaine and crack, during a series of raids last month.