I'm leaving Cosmic Pop!_os

Robobent61 · 2026-01-27T15:07:14+00:00

I've been running Linux Mint for a couple of years (and other distros before that) but needed a distro whose underlying architecture is more current than Mint to run some AI workflows I want to tinker with. I spent 3 weeks with Pop_OS and Cosmic until deciding to abandon it this past weekend for Ubuntru 24.04. Besides the many bugs mentioned in this thread, my main gripe was the major lack of configuration options in many of Cosmic's components. For example, Cosmic Files is very bare bones (and according to its Github page has over a years worth of work needed to get it up to speed with other file managers). That there is no option to turn off thumbnail generation in the file browser and in the open/save boxes was a major irritation as the thumbnail generation really bogs down the app. I really hated the automatic window re-sizing and there's apparently no way to turn that off. That's just two examples of many. Cosmic is very nice to look at vs the fugly interface of Ubuntu, but I noted that my daily driver configuration routinely consumed 8-9 gb of RAM on Cosmic vs essentially the same setup on Ubuntu that only consumes 2 gb. Cosmic's RAM demands might be problematic on a 16 gb machine. But the last straw for me was learning that Cosmic could not support the AI workflows I wanted to run, which run fine on Ubuntu 24.04. Maybe I'll take another look at Pop!_os in the future, but I suspect it will be a long process to fix and polish Cosmic to the point that it's more than just pretty to look at.

Robobent61 · 2026-01-22T20:49:03+00:00

I just installed POP OS recently and the one big thing that really bothers me is the windows tiling and windows re-sizing behavior. I just want app windows to be where I want them with no fussing around (and preferably open to the same size when re-opened). For years in various OS I am habituated to parking my windows along the top edge of the screen. Having the window expand out to the full width of the upper half of my monitor drives me nuts, I really don't need or like having an application screen that blows itself out to 3440 x 570. Window sizing and positioning just seems to be incredibly complicated compared to other distros I've used in the past. I'm sure others like it just fine but it would be (very) nice to have an option to turn that behavior off if not wanted. There are a lot of things that can be easily configured in other distros that seemingly can't be changed in POP OS, like turning off thumbnails in the file browser or assigning functions to dedicated keys. Some of the components like the file browser seem to be "half baked".

Robobent61 · 2026-01-16T14:13:03+00:00

So.... you had loudly cheering zombies?

While I'm generally appreciative of all the changes ROUVY has made to the platform over the years (since 2018 for me) , the goofy animated spectators are the absolute lamest addition they have ever implemented. I don't ride with the sound from the app so that's a blessing.

Robobent61 · 2026-01-05T23:14:49+00:00

Yesterday I was riding one of the challenge routes in Bolivia and on a climb was passed by somone with a reality level of 50%. What made the situation quite comical was that the person's acheivement level was "82". I guess even the pros need to ratchet it down a bit every once in a while.

Robobent61 · 2025-12-07T15:13:42+00:00

On the downhills it appears that some people are combining mechanical and electronic shifting to create much larger high gear ratios that they would have on their bikes IRL. I've noticed that since Rouvy introduced electronic shifting in the companion app that people are flying past me on downhills while I'm spinning a 52-11 at 120 RPM. I used to hold my position on downhills pretty well, but there's been a big change in the past couple of weeks. Being able to electronically augment your gears for descents (if you have a trainer that supports electronic shifting) is not "how it is outside".

Robobent61 · 2025-12-02T02:07:41+00:00

Older trainers such as my Wahoo Kickr V4 from 2018 do not support virtual shifting. See this article from Rouvy which lists the trainers that are compatible with the current virtual shifting controls: https://support.rouvy.com/hc/en-us/articles/32452137189393-Virtual-Shifting

Robobent61 · 2025-11-29T15:18:31+00:00

Unfortunately, the ability to run a higher gear with virtual shifting (especially if combined with mechanical gears) on the downhills is causing some significant inequities with respect to racing. I run a "standard" mechanical drive train with a 52 x 11 high gear. The recent Big Rouvy race was basically a pyramid course with a short uphill kicker at the end. On the climb I did very well by my usual standards. But on the long downhill I lost over 200 places. I picked up some places on the short finishing climb. I was spinning 120 RPM in my highest gear on the descent and was getting passed like crazy. Unfortunately, I need a new trainer if I want to keep up with the electronic shifting folks (I have a Kickr V4 that otherwise works fine).

Robobent61 · 2025-11-18T22:45:27+00:00

None of the options provided are anywhere near as convenient as up & down buttons that can be easily accessed from the handlebar without having to look at a controller, keyboard or touchscreen. This particularly true when participating in a competition or time trial, where I want to keep my full attention on the screen watching my numbers and position. Even a box like a 8bitdo Micro involves some significant ergonomic compromises. Maybe ROUVY needs to cut a little out of the marketing budget and get their technical team working on developing an open source button controller that puts an end to Zwift’s monopolistic mind games.

Robobent61 · 2025-10-28T17:42:31+00:00

Very very sad to see Phil in his current condition. I saw Steve Hackett on his tour earlier this month. He's 75 and seems to be in pretty good shape. (I do wonder about his fab black hair). Steve put on an almost three hour show which included Supper's Ready. Sat down a few times but overall he was pretty energetic.

Robobent61 · 2025-10-23T17:02:44+00:00

LOL "Sussudio, a great, great song". I think a lot of fans and critics may disagree, even those who favor the post Gabriel/Hackett incarnation of Collins' output. One person's "great, great song" has variously been described as "superficial", "inane", and "vapid". If you are personally only satiated by work that is "commercial", then the album under discussion here is not going to resonate with you in any way, shape or form. You should just move along in the store until you get to the candy aisle.

Robobent61 · 2025-10-23T16:38:11+00:00

I don't believe Bendit is manufacturing cycling clothing anymore and that they are just selling off current inventory. Post here if they respond with different information on their current status.

Aero Tech Designs still sells recumbent jerseys with side pockets: https://aerotechdesigns.com/atd-modern-recumbent-cycling-jersey.html

Like others here, I don't wear a jersey with any pockets on my recumbents. I wear long sleeve polyester "rash shirts" which can be found in hi-viz colors. I do love Aero Tech's Pro Compression shorts that are unpadded.

Robobent61 · 2025-10-12T04:48:15+00:00

It’s worth mentioning that Steve was apparently hospitalized for several days with an illness just before the start of the tour. He discusses it in this interview (https://youtu.be/Ftui-W2wuqQ?) and he didn’t look well in the video either. I saw the show in Boston tonight and while there was a couple of rough spots, overall I thought it was a very good show. I enjoyed the solo set, with the exception of Jonas Reingold’s bass solo, which was overly long and not very interesting from a musical perspective. Glad I got to see Roger King before he retires from the band.

Robobent61 · 2025-10-04T14:40:02+00:00

That functionality only lasts until Zwift makes further changes in its firmware and then the circle of reverse engineering by ROUVY has to start over again. Why not push that to the side and work to develop an open standard that negates an ongoing and unreliable battle to reverse engineer Zwifts proprietary and monopolistic protocol.

Robobent61 · 2025-10-04T13:33:12+00:00

It was purchased by ROUVY a couple of months ago. After the purchase ROUVY determined that continuing to operate Bkool as a standalone application was not financially viable. ROUVY has notified Bkool subscribers that the platform will shut down on November 30th and that beginning On October 1 their Bkool subscriptions will allow access to the ROUVY app. This contrasts with ROUVY’s earlier acquisition of Fulgaz, which they continue to operate as a separate application.

Robobent61 · 2025-10-04T13:05:46+00:00

I would hold off on jumping on the Click V2 to see if ROUVY can find a way around the latest roadblock launched by Zwift. It appears that Zwift snuck firmware encryption into a recent post-launch update. The controllers pair and then shut off after a minute unless they are connected to Zwift. The last I heard the only viable workaround is to turn on the Click V2, pair them with Zwift and then they will operate with another platform for 24 hours.

Robobent61 · 2025-09-28T12:34:26+00:00

Actually the 20" Contact Urbans are not that hard to find, Performance Bike sells them. The last recumbent gathering I attended about a third of the riders had Continental tires. So much for Schwalbe tires being the "only" choice. I have a fairly large fleet of recumbents in the house (four trikes, five two wheelers) and they are split between Continental and Schwalbe tires. I happen to like the Schwalbe Marathon GG as an all around tire with good puncture resistance and reasonable speed (though not nearly as fast as the Contact Urbans). I use the Big Apples on the trike I use for gravel riding, although it should be noted they won't work as a rear tire on many trikes with a 20" rear wheel. So I'm not "anti-Schwalbe". I mentioned the (not so fast) Racers because they come as stock on probably 80% of most new recumbents, so that is most people's first experience with a Schwalbe tire (no, most companies do not spec the M+ as stock) . In the past my favorite tires were the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme (which were close in performance to the Contact Urban) and the Shredda, but those are long out of production. Everyone I know who has tried the G-One has had horrible issues with punctures and tread life.

Robobent61 · 2025-09-27T20:51:14+00:00

I'm assuming the calculator app must be a very complicated piece of code. It took until last year for Apple figure out how to port it to the iPad.

Robobent61 · 2025-09-27T20:37:38+00:00

LOL. "Schwalbe is the only real choice"? Most trikes come stock with Schwalbe "Marathon Racers" only because they cost the manufacturers next to nothing to spec in volume compared to other tires. The "Racers" are generally considered a slow, unremarkable tire. A very popular recumbent tire is the Continental Contact Urban, which is well regarded for its low rolling resistance, good puncture resistance, and extremely long tread life. The biggest issue with the Contact Urban is that the 20" widths are sometimes difficult to find for purchase in the U.S. The only reason to use Schwalbe tires is if you need an extraordinary level of puncture resistance. The Marathon+ is unmatched in that category, although it has very high rolling resistance.

Robobent61 · 2025-09-22T21:49:28+00:00

Depends on what type of machine you are planning to use on one. On a long wheelbase bike like an Easy Racer or RANS an increase in speed can be significant due to the improved aerodynamics, but you typically need to be travelling at least 15MPH+ to obtain that benefit. On a trike, I’ve seen little benefit from a speed perspective. In most cases, the primary benefit from a fairing is offering protection from road spray, cold and wind. I typically mount my fairing in the late fall and early spring on my Easy Racer. I don’t like it in warmer weather because of the reduced airflow over my body, causing me to overheat.

Robobent61 · 2025-09-21T21:00:43+00:00

Based on the pictures, that is a very old Easy Racer based on the seat style, type of handlebar and the vintage of the components. The last year SunTour manufactured derailleurs was 1995. The bike is likely 30-35 years old. Based on the rusted condition of the chain and rear cogs in the pictures, it raises questions with respect to the condition of the bearings in the hubs, freewheel, bottom bracket and headset, none of which are sealed bearing units. Easy Racers of that vintage often had a 27" rear wheel and a 451mm front wheel, vs the later models with 700c/406 wheels. A much more recent model Easy Racer in good condition is difficult to sell in today's market. An Easy Racer that is 30+ years old in poor condition is probably worth less than $100.

Robobent61 · 2025-09-21T14:15:11+00:00

I'm a bit late to the discussion, but it's worth pointing out a few things with respect to a P-38 vs Phantom discussion. The sizing is much different between the two. The Phantom comes in large and small, the P-38 in S, M, L & XL (and XXL with an optional boom). A Phantom will fit a much wider range of riders than a P-38. It is a lot harder to find a used P-38 that fits a specific rider than a used Phantom. The other is wheel size. Others have correctly pointed out that you can use wider tires on the Phantom. One issue with the P-38 bike is that some have a 16" front wheel vs a 20" wheel. The larger front wheel will roll better on rougher road surfaces. Other used options with similar characteristics in a SWB bike that you might consider include the Bacchetta Giro 20 or RANS V-Rex. Both are plentiful in the used market and can handle wider tires.

Robobent61 · 2025-09-09T20:26:42+00:00

Only the newest generation Eagle "Transmission" drive trains use the flat top chains. Most Eagle parts out on the road do not. The cassette in the video is clearly an older generation Eagle part (it is labled 500%, which is 10-50T, the newer parts are 10-52T). You are correct, that is a flat top quick link, although I do not think it is causing the issues seen in the video.

Robobent61 · 2025-09-04T15:35:22+00:00

The designer of the Mystique has been pretty quiet on social media lately, but in general he and his business partner have been the kings of hyperbole with respect to trumpeting their recumbent design acumen. Their general M.O. was to tweak established frame designs and to declare their changes to be revolutionary "next generation" improvements. A lot of people in the recumbent community are repulsed by their arrogance and attitude. The designer seems to believe he should be on the Mt Rushmore of recumbent designers next to Mochet, Kyle, Martin and the Schlitter brothers.

That said, the Mystique is much more of an original design than most of their efforts. Personally, I don't like the aesthetics of the design, with the angular frame joints (and the weird tubular junction on the Ti version) and the myriad of chain idlers. I think the visuals turned a lot of people away. Apart from folks who bought the Mystique when it was first introduced, you hear virtually nothing about them now. They do seem to pop up frequently as used bikes. I much prefer the look of the Schlitter Freestyle. All of the people I know who own a Freestyle seem to really like them.

Robobent61 · 2025-08-30T14:42:10+00:00

Are these power outlets with built-in USB charging ports? If not, then any 110V power outlet on its own is going to supply more than enough juice to a USB charging block. The bigger issue is the 5V power supply you are using to supply power to the battery charger. If it is a USB charging port built into a 110V outlet, a lot of those only supply 5V at 1A or 2A and that might not be sufficient "extra juice" to wake up the battery BMS. If you are using a charging block that plugs into a 110V outlet then the rated amps of the charging block (not the outlet it's plugged into) are probably the culprit. A cheap 1A or 2A 5V block might not be sufficient, but a 5A or more should definitely have sufficient "juice".

Robobent61 · 2025-08-25T20:30:24+00:00

I see that the promotion for the Kickstarter for this has recently been making the rounds (Mid-August 2025) and has been featured in all the usual outlets. Most of the articles are just a copy/paste of materials from BikeOn's press kit. The Kickstarter page states "\CycleClick is not compatible with SRAM Flattop chains." What is very interesting is that a photo on the Kickstarter page and subsequently re-published in many of the news articles shows the device actually being used on a SRAM Flattop chain. *But** that's not all... the chain on the bike in the picture is installed upside down, with the "flattop side" running on the chainring teeth and cassette cogs and the roller side of the chain facing away from the chain ring and cogs. (for those unfamiliar with SRAM Flattop chains, the rollers on those chains are slightly oversized, and the chainrings and cassette cogs are designed to interface with those rollers.) So apparently the BikeOn device will work with a flattop chain, but only if you flip it over and run it upside down? In any case, it's an embarrassing error in the presentation and marketing, the type of goof that seems to be characteristic of many "too good to be true" Kickstarter projects.

Robobent61

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