I'm upset the robots are even in, mind you, they do look kind of cool-looking.
It doesn't change because I think they cancelled it. I'm not sure but obviously, it'll ACTUALLY change in the real game when you're playing. In Tails' movie for Aquatic Capital (coolest stage thus far), he was going to do the Gear change but he activated the GP Gauge Up power-up instead. But anyway, I think that's a (special) Story Mode event or a mission anyway so maybe you're not allowed to change it.
I also agree w/ the new type-signs. They look a lot better and more noticeable. There's even one where you have to be running/skating to get in.
Also notice how if you were to boost right before a Speed Pad, you don't lose speed as you would in the original, which is something that sounds great to me on paper since sometimes the Speed Pads messed me up when competing.
I also love how the music changes based on your performance (i.e., when you utilize the gravity moves). It reminds me a lot of SSX Blur and it works really well here as well.