Probably cross-chained and rubbing on the FD. If the bike was that old, it was a lazy person not to manually trim the FD position, as back then it likely wasn't indexed.

Next, lots of folks abide by the MUP speed limits and use them to get from one crappy part of town to some decent road riding. Not all roadies hammer MUP's for workouts. Some do. Most local groups who do group rides on them post a 15 to 16mph target pace. As MUPs aren't for hard workouts or speedy work.

I've had folks try to latch on after I've gotten onto the MUP after spending 70 odd miles and 5000 feet riding road earlier. It's my last 3 miles home to cool down, I'd like to relax. It's a kind of like GTFO. Either fall back or go by with enough to stay away. Not blow up 3 minutes later and have me go around again. I've probably just had lunch/dinner and a beer after the A/A+ ride and don't feel like fooling around with anyone. I'm sorry that my Z1/Z2 cruise is someone else's PR. I'm just trying to get home so I can get a shower and collapse on the couch.

Now, you wanna have fun.........it's pure joy calling out "passing" if you're out doing time-trial work open-road and pass by the local A/A+ group ride. You'd think they saw an e-bike.