^ The ease of shifting and gear availability are the things that did enter my mind as potentially making a big difference.
I don't know exactly what it was, but I was just able to keep a very fast pace the entire ride. I'll have to do a couple more test rides to see if I was just pushing harder or if the bike is just easier to go fast on. It Seems like I was actually going faster more easily than my other decent bike. I know I don't feel any more worn out than I usually do after that ride. Either way, it is a fun bike and I too now love taking it out!