Originally Posted by
Sixty Fiver
A properly fitted road bike should be faster than an mtb with slicks... it's that whole lighter, more aero, taller gears thing.
Mind you, I used to run slicks on my mtb and could make some pretty excellent times... I had re-geared it to help with that.
1) You're not necessarily any more aero on a road bike (especially if you're riding the hoods)
2) taller gears are rarely the limitation of the typical rider. So you don't max out your speed going down a hill... you rest and have more power for the climb up the other side.
My MTB position was very similar to my position IN THE DROPS on my road bike and my speed was very close - especially on a commute. Wider tires actually speed up the commute since I could ride over instead of around obstacles.
Assuming position can be whatever you want it to be on either bike, the only advantage I'll give the road bike is weight... and in
certain situations gearing.