Hmm. That surprises me. Unless the ride is really technical, I wouldn't think a mountain bike would excel.
Other ideas would be fit or comfort or brake drag.
I am certain the time difference isn't the gearing.
I pass mountain bikes on the moderate trails around here all the time. On the tricky stuff though, I simply can't ride it. 1x10, 40t x 11-42, with bar end shifter and a clutch derailleur. I really like it.
Last edited by rosefarts; 11-11-18 at 09:37 AM.