the new version has less dragging, i mean the background is quite smooth. also the bike is more stable and tolerates heavy bounce and stretch to some extent better than the previous version (as per my observation... )
Oliver - I think you've just got much better at the game - you are more zoned in and therefore it feels easier. I found the same thing too but I don't think the game got easier. As for heavy bounce landings there's a technique to doing them successfully and I would saythat at least the top 10 - 20 players have mastered this - I know I certainly have - check out level 3, 4 & 5 videos for a demonstration