energy gels?

[craven2354]

hey guys im planning on going on a longer ride than normal today with quite a few big hills and was wondering if those small energy boost bottle they sell in local shops like red bull energy shots are the same as energy gels? if not where is the best place to buy them from that isnt the internet

 

[vickster]

Energy drinks are just sugar and caffeine, no nutritional value, no?

To get energy gels - surely the local bike shop? Mine certainly sells edible stuff, as do Evans for example. Or just stop for a nice hunk of cake half way round, far nicer

 

[craven2354]

Energy drinks are just sugar and caffeine, no nutritional value, no?

To get energy gels - surely the local bike shop? Mine certainly sells edible stuff, as do Evans for example. Or just stop for a nice hunk of cake half way round, far nicer

i cant its over the tops nothing but grass and sheep

 

[vickster]

Take a couple of flapjacks with you then

 

[Moss]

I carry a couple of cereal bar type biscuits with me, or sometimes a Mars Bar! But only use water in my driking bottle!

 

[vickster]

Energy gels taste foul too...definitely oat based cake better

 

[craven2354]

mars bar is sounding good to me

 

[vickster]

There is a Mars triple choc special edition version out at the mo

 

[cjb]

I only ever take bananas (natural complex carbohydrates), and only water in my drinks bottle.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I think gels have their place, and I tend to use them on longer rides from time to time, but a standard weekend pootle would see me with a banana in my pocket, fnarrr!

I've yet to use a gel that either tastes good or even feels good in the mouth, they are generally rank in all areas, but they do work which is after all what they are designed to do.

 

[Hacienda71]

Jelly babies,you can munch on them as you ride. Imho though it is as important to fuel correctly before a long ride. My personal preference is porridge oats soaked in skimmed milk overnight with honey, that will see you 30 to 40 hilly miles. Make sure you hydrate though while riding. Water, squash or similar.

 

[Banjo]

I like snickers flapjack from Tesco . 5 bars for about £1. And jelly babies of course

 

[cjb]

My personal preference is porridge oats soaked in skimmed milk overnight with honey, that will see you 30 to 40 hilly miles. Make sure you hydrate though while riding. Water, squash or similar.

Couldn't agree more about the pre-ride fuel. Mine's porridge oats, chopped banana, dried fruit and skimmed milk.This sees me through 3/4 hour hilly rides, while my mates are downing power bars, gel etc at the halfway stage. Again, only water in my drinks bottle, drinking regularly - and remember, if you feel thirsty it's already too late !!

 

[yello]

Methinks you ought try this 'longer ride with some big hills' without gels to begin with.

Do make sure you carry some food though (flapjack, banana, jelly babies... whatever) and take some cash too, to buy food if necessary. Gels have their place and you are probably best served working out if they have a place for you. Do that by doing the ride without and then with. That way around because you'll know how tough the ride is before you set out on it 2nd time around, hence you'll have a better idea if the gels work for you.

I've tried gels and they are neither my thing nor do I need them. Bananas, fig rolls, etc work for me. They're cheaper too. Getting yourself into a gel habit can be expensive! But I'm not you. Try them and find out.

 

[Cosmicned]

Malt loaf - Lightly flavoured water - dried figs when out & about, but two bananas plus toast / croissant / jam & a large barely legal strength fresh coffee before a jaunt works for me... Drink plenty!!!