Replaced Recon 335's with Pike 351's and my bike feels twice as fast. I know the Pikes are stiffer and stuff but it's weird the difference it's made. Any scientists out there to explain this?

Absorbs the bumps better and there is more control over the bike

I changed my 145mm Nixons to 140mm Fox forks and the whole bike seems quicker, and more chuckable.

The Nixons were great for a smoother ride, but the Fox's seemer a little stiffer and quicker.

OMG Better component works!

Don't worry, I'm sure someone will be along in a while telling you how its all in your mind.

A bit like this? 😉

I am sure some of it is in your mind, bike it better, you feel better, you ride better, think bike helps, you ride even better as you are more confident.
A vicious cycle I get caught in and find very hard to break 🙂

(actually, it is fairly easy to break and start riding like a muppet again but the theory still applies)

A bit like this?

yeah just like that! 😆