Energy Gels

[PeteXXX]

What do you think they are supposed to do?
It is a food substitute, i.e. nutrition, not crack!

I have ridden quite long strenuous routes without using any (gel, not crack) and on similar routes, I have used them. I noticed no difference whatsoever.
Porrage before a ride, take a banana or flapjack, cake half way round and a decent meal afterwards. Works for me.

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

I doubt they would sell them with misleading/incorrect ingredients.

 

[Rob3rt]

I have ridden quite long strenuous routes without using any (gel, not crack) and on similar routes, I have used them. I noticed no difference whatsoever.
Porrage before a ride, take a banana or flapjack, cake half way round and a decent meal afterwards. Works for me.



I doubt they would sell them with misleading/incorrect ingredients.

Sounds like your comparison is pretty holey. By your statement you were taking in other sources of nutrition thus the gels were additional. The body will only use what it needs, by cramming more and more down your gullet you won't increase your performance, so having a gel on top of your other food is unlikely to have an "effect". In fact the only effect a gel should have is to maintain normal operating conditions, you aren't going to all of a sudden have a feeling of being a hulk on the bike. The point of gels is simple, to give the same nutrition as food, or as close to as possible anyway, in circumstances where solid food can not be consumed practicably.

 

[VamP]

I have ridden quite long strenuous routes without using any (gel, not crack) and on similar routes, I have used them. I noticed no difference whatsoever.
Porrage before a ride, take a banana or flapjack, cake half way round and a decent meal afterwards. Works for me.



I doubt they would sell them with misleading/incorrect ingredients.

Why would you expect them to be any different in effect to a banana or a flapjack? The only selling point is they are easier to ingest when going flat out.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

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

I was wondering if you ever eat anything 3 boiled eggs probably doubles your body weight.

With training I can do lots of miles with very little food. I have plenty of reserves in fat but I have to train my body to be able to do it. On the other hand, I don't think you have much in reserve.

With water and a tin of sardines I did a century once, I had been training my body for 8 months though.

I had a gel and energy drink on my first sportive and they made me sick so I only take a few nuts and a flapjack for anything over 50 miles now.

 

[John Shingler]

hair

 

[Cuchilo]

I was wondering if you ever eat anything 3 boiled eggs probably doubles your body weight.

Eggs are very heavy you know , especially boiled ones !