Energy Gels

[Iainj837]

which is the best energy gel ?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Whichever one doesn't give you gastro issues,and there is only one way to find out.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

What sort of riding/training are you doing that requires them

 

[Rob3rt]

There isn't a best one...

Use them in training a few times before during a race or critical event too, adverse reactions are not uncommon.

Twice I've used SIS gels, one time I projectile vomited off of the bike while in aero position in the last couple of mile of a 25 mile TT, the other time I took one just before a race and I puked a bit when I burped and then didn't dare burp so spent half of a race feeling nauseous.

The reality is though, most people don't need them, they are costly to keep using, it is good to have a couple you carry with you just incase, but don't be afraid to take them all home and keep them for another time. They keep for ages.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Just to provide an alternative perspective I love 'em. I don't race or 'owt but I hate having anything in my stomach on long rides and don't really like porridge so gels do well for me. Early this morning I did forty miles on a high-geared (52/17) SingleSpeed on a banana and a single gel. As for using them for an energy boost, well that's rare but has been very welcome 80 or so miles into a long ride when morale slips.

I've only tried High5, mostly because it's almost laughably easy to get them either for free or at very low cost.

 

[Cuchilo]

Gels are not for me but then I don't think I ride enough to need them . Three boiled eggs and a few cups of coffee this morning did me for 30 odd miles . I stopped half way for a kit kat and some water ( could have murdered a cup of tea with that kitkat ! ) I didn't need to stop but I wasn't on a mission or time scale . Just out for a ride .
Porridge and pasta do nothing for me in energy terms . I always bonk if I ride on that food ( sounds wrong ) Potatoes however seem to do the trick . I carry jelly babies for a sugar hit just incase I need energy fast but would rather not eat them as I only have green ones left

 

[StuAff]

I've used multiple brands (Zipvit, FGS Nectar, CNP, High 5) without issues. Unlike the 'real food' alternatives, very long shelf life (and perfectly OK long after the 'best before' date). Some of the Zipvit ones were a bit gloopy, but still tasted OK. Generally go for High5, purely because BOGOFs are frequently available. I find them handy for that just in case situation- easy to stash in a jacket or jersey pocket.

 

[ayceejay]

Hammer do an espresso gel and if that doesn't jump start you just lay at the side of the road until the ambulance arrives.

 

[Iainj837]

A friend of mine did say, that the SIS very sickly and that prefers high 5.
I should of said that I usually go on 20 to 40 miles but I am planning a cycling weekend.
probably doing 50 to 60 miles a day

 

[vickster]

I can't actually swallow gels due to the weird sticky texture - a few jelly babies for me A tasty alternative to choking

 

[VamP]

Only use them for racing. No idea why anyone would use them if they could slow down a bit and eat something a bit more substantial.

 

[PeteXXX]

What did we do before the Gel industry convinced us we need them?
Personally I use them very occasionally but wonder if they actually do anything.

 

[Rob3rt]

What did we do before the Gel industry convinced us we need them?
Personally I use them very occasionally but wonder if they actually do anything.

What do you think they are supposed to do?

It is a food substitute, i.e. nutrition, not crack!

 

[VamP]

What did we do before the Gel industry convinced us we need them?
Personally I use them very occasionally but wonder if they actually do anything.

You doubt they contain the ingredients that are listed on the packet?

 

[oiljam]

Only use them for long distance running as its more difficult to carry food when running. Due to having pockets when cycling its easy to carry something nice and not a rank gel