Gels on a long ride

[4F]

I save the gels for a sportive or similar they have more effect IMO that way when I want that extra bit. I usually like to have one about the last 10miles 10% to give me that extra bit (even if its just pychological); on Saturdays 100miler I also had one around half way; and it was similar for the 160mile TofF.

Hartleys Jelly, cut into cubes put in a bag 3 for a pound

 

[TheJDog]

jelly babies. Carry only the red and black ones as they are the best.

 

[Sittingduck]

I might try the jelly thing...
Don't generally use gels, unless I receive freebie samples, as has recently been the case. They seem convenient and probably not a bad way for a quick boost. Deffo no way you need to consume every 20 mins though. Infact I generally don't bother eating anything for the first 2 hours of a ride. Everybody is different I suppose and it's worth taking whatever you like or is convenient - aside from bananas pretty much everything can be used another day, if not required. Or simply do as I do and neck the leftovers the minute I set foot in the kitchen, post-ride

Yes - I realise bananas can even be salvaged but (IMHO) they are a little tired looking after 4 hours stashed in the back pocket...

 

[HLaB]

I might try the jelly thing...
Don't generally use gels, unless I receive freebie samples, as has recently been the case. They seem convenient and probably not a bad way for a quick boost. Deffo no way you need to consume every 20 mins though. Infact I generally don't bother eating anything for the first 2 hours of a ride. Everybody is different I suppose and it's worth taking whatever you like or is convenient - aside from bananas pretty much everything can be used another day, if not required. Or simply do as I do and neck the leftovers the minute I set foot in the kitchen, post-ride

Yes - I realise bananas can even be salvaged but (IMHO) they are a little tired looking after 4 hours stashed in the back pocket...

I thinking of giving it a go too that and the Soreen loaf I've seen a number of good cyclists do that although I do like my bananas too

 

[Ningishzidda]

Being a carnivore, I found it difficult to acquire the appropriate nourishment at the types of establishment Audax Organisers chose for the controls.

I used to stop in service stations for cold meats, but I couldn't carry them,,, until I found sachets of Whiskas Supermeat.

 

[Crackle]

I like Nakd bars meself. They aren't cheap though but a nice taste. Soreen, raisins, prunes. I should probably drop the prunes if anyone is following me

You can get fruit smoothies in a pouch too, name temporarily forgotten, as convenient as a gel and don't taste like shoot and probably just as good.

 

[dan_bo]

I find a ham and cheese baguette fits nicely into a jersey pocket.

And it doesn't have the consistency of semen. So my friend tells me.

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

I think they have their place like everyone has said. They are good for taking up hardly any room though for when you are going for maximum pro look avec no saddle bag

 

[VamP]

I use gels to fuel races in excess of 90 minutes in duration. Rarely more than one per race. I like the caffeinated ones. Depending on race start in relation to my last meal, I might also have a gel about 20 minutes before the start.

Having spent the money, you can find solace in the fact that you have now tested the SIS ones and found that they don't disagree with you. If you take up racing, you won't have to experiment with another brand.

 

[User482]

Just because you carry them, doesn't mean you have to use them. Carrying 1 or 2 takes next to no space, if you are in trouble use one. If you are fine, don't. Take them home and keep them for another day.

That's what I do. I think I've used two so far this year, both towards the end of long sportives when I was starting to flag.

 

[montage]

bananas and jam sandwiches are a pretty cheap, effective and yummy option!

 

[Milzy]

As a seasoned marathon runner gels are awesome & great for long distance cycling too. Even doing a sportive I'd rather go finish in a good time than rest at feeding stations. It depends on how serious you are.

 

[billy1561]

I might try the jelly thing...
Don't generally use gels, unless I receive freebie samples, as has recently been the case. They seem convenient and probably not a bad way for a quick boost. Deffo no way you need to consume every 20 mins though. Infact I generally don't bother eating anything for the first 2 hours of a ride. Everybody is different I suppose and it's worth taking whatever you like or is convenient - aside from bananas pretty much everything can be used another day, if not required. Or simply do as I do and neck the leftovers the minute I set foot in the kitchen, post-ride

Yes - I realise bananas can even be salvaged but (IMHO) they are a little tired looking after 4 hours stashed in the back pocket...

Yeah wtf happens to bananas when you take them for a ride? Still just as yummy tho

 

[Sittingduck]

They get semi-cooked by back warmth!
Discolouration is a turn-off, imho. Nothing turns me off more than a semi-cooked and discoloured banana.

 

[NicciT]

Thanks everyone - some really good tips from you all! I won't drop the SiS entirely but will definitely make more of an effort with snacks