Originally Posted by
Leebo
I ride both on a regular basis. For every pedal stroke, the road bike travels further them the mt bike due to bigger wheels.
Right on the money Leebo. The OP failed to recognize the wheels itself as a gear. MTBs usually cannot get close the same gear as a road bike, even the 29"(622mm rim) wheels, as the frame of an MTB may restrict the chainring to 48 teeth.