The OP seems happy with his new bike, which is all that really matters ... but I'm confused on what was really gained in the gearing.
Old bike: 11-34 with 42t chainring: 32-98 gear inch range
New bike: 12-25 with 30/42/52 rings: 31-111 gear inch range
A bigger chainring on the old bike would produce a similar top end at the cost a slightly higher low end, which doesn't matter given the lack of terrain in FL