Well, in my limited experience of mountain biking, it is very different than road biking. You have brief periods of steep ascents (which are often anaerobic). But much of the time, you are soft pedalling because you are going slowly to keep from running into something and falling.
Road cycling really emphasizes sustained aerobic power. This might be why your husband is outdoing you. On mountain bikes, your technical riding skill and climbing ability is on par with his.
Especially if he is a lot heavier - that would slow him down on hills but not on flat land.
Originally Posted by
rumrunn6
Wheel diameter makes a difference. You should both have the same wheel size. There is no question.
I'm not sure it makes much difference. Mountain bike wheels are usually slower than road bike wheels, but that is because the tires are usually wide and/or knobby, not because of the the wheel diameter.