It's interesting that such a vintage bike was the rental choice. Did they also have new bikes to rent? Did they have just a hodge podge of refurbished bikes available? If so, is sounds like a variation of the "Rent-a-Wreck" company that had older, but reliable cars to rent . . . at cheaper prices.
I think it's great that you rented a bike and took the time to ride. Nice going.
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Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades