Gels

[gavintc]

I did the etape this summer and planned my nutrition on bananas and gels. It was 10 hrs from beginning to end. I quickly got to hate the gels and found they made me feel queasy. I had used them for shorter events (up to 5 hrs) before, but I would not use them again for a long one.

 

[si_c]

I have been carrying around the same emergency gel in my saddlebag for 8 years now. It is still pliable, but I am not sure what it will do to me if I actually consume it. IIRC it is peach flavour, so I am not expecting much.

I'd suggest nothing good, even if it hadn't passed its expiry date.

 

[Soltydog]

I'd never used them until this year. I always preferred 'real' food at cafe stops, but this year I figured that they would help my weight loss, having a gel as opposed to a coffee & cake, surely has less calories & other excesses in? It seems to be working for me, but agree that some of the gels are quite disgusting. The SIS ones are about the best I've tried & I now quite like the caffeine ones I still don't use too many though, quite often on a 50 mile club ride I'll not have one, or just one, whilst some other riders will have 3 or 4 during the ride

 

[jefmcg]

Less than a pound each

That's not cheap.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sis/go-isotonic-energy-gel-variety-pack-ec108381
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/high-5/iso-gel-ec024271
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mulebar/kicks-energy-gel-ec026556

I'd really expect to pay less than 50p for no-name aldi ones

(not that I've ever used a gel <shudder>)

 

[migrantwing]

That's not cheap.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sis/go-isotonic-energy-gel-variety-pack-ec108381
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/high-5/iso-gel-ec024271
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mulebar/kicks-energy-gel-ec026556

I'd really expect to pay less than 50p for no-name aldi ones

(not that I've ever used a gel <shudder>)

Not disputing it. They were just there and picked them up at the time to try them out

 

[migrantwing]

To be honest, I've never needed more than water, a flapjack or chocolate bar and the occasional coffee if I've taken a break doing anywhere between 30-60 miles. I'm just curious to what these gels do.

 

[Stonechat]

If doing a ride 75 miles and up I think they are great
I prefer to alternate a gel with an energy bar or similar, and also use gels with added caffeine for a boost when flagging

 

[Pale Rider]

When I see this thread's title I can't help but think of nice, middle class young ladies who play tennis.