Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart

The most simple answer to "it takes more pedaling to go the same speed" is that the gear ratio is now different then before. Meaning the gears were shifted to a lower gear. But I assume "more pedaling" means faster pedal strokes. Do you understand gearing and the relationships with cadence, gear ratio and speed? Have you looked at what rear cog position and which front chainring the chain is on? Andy