I'm glad to see that others notice big differences as well. Now to answer a couple of questions;

Velovixen, I currently ride the Specalized Expedition Sport and my previous bike is a Schwinn Gateway. The Schwinn is set up as a comfort/path/city riding bike. The Expedition is a hybrid that is a cross with mountain and comfort. If you look at them side by side they look similar.

Zoom-Zoom, what is a "105-equiped" and what are you calling relaxed geometry versus aggressive geometry? I mean not so much of the numerical details but in language detail. Numbers don't mean as much to me as when someone describes the fit/feel.

I think I get the sense of what you mean by aggressive because that is how I precieve the feel of the new bike, it feels more responsive, quick and that is how I would describe aggressive. My old bike feels a bit like a slug. I rode it just around the block a couple of days ago and it feels foreign already. I believe that the fact the bike is lighter, has wider tires, front suspension has something to do with it but I can't describe why or what components account for this.

Do components really matter that much and why?

Hebe, I am glad you still enjoy your first bike. I like the way my first bike looks much more than enjoying the way it rides. I used to think it was so comfortable. I believe a lot of that is also because this bike fits me better.