Gels
- Thread starter rsvdaz
- Start date
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mr Mag00
rising member
- Location
- Deepest Dorset
its not a fuel injection . ime it is not someting which you can feel. expensive way of getting up a hill. develop strength and use gels for long rides where you may not wish to stop for a lunch break
I did a gran fondo at the weekend with some long hills. I took a gel as I arrived at the foot of each climb and felt the difference a few minutes (5-10 mins) later. One of the hills was 25 km in length and I was in need of more by the top. Thankfully, I was handed a 1/2 banana as I went over the summit and consumed an energy bar on the descent. So, to answer your question - a short delay, but a noticeable increase in perkiness in your legs. You are able to pull away from the group and make a gap.
amaferanga
Veteran
- Location
- Bolton
I think the immediate effect is a placebo related to having something on your tongue. Probably a good 20 minutes before you see any real effect.
Rohloff_Brompton_Rider
Formerly just_fixed
if you bonk, they seem to be quite ineffective. i use them on very long rides (long to me anyway ,60+ miles) i couple them with small bits of food often. they do work, but can lead you into a false sense of feeling great and pushing too hard. this in turn can lead to the dreaded bonk. if taken before the bonk, i reckon about 10 to 15 mins before that invincible feeling kicks in.
Banjo
Fuelled with Jelly Babies
- Location
- South Wales
Instead of a big energy hit from a sports gel could you achieve a more spread out boost by nibbling sugary sweets as you ride? Preferably jelly babies :-)
iAmiAdam
New Member
I'm yet to try gels and stuff, that's the plan for tomorrow.
But I'm getting this; http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sis/introduction-pack-ec009460
To see what works for me and what doesn't, comes recommended.
But I'm getting this; http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sis/introduction-pack-ec009460
To see what works for me and what doesn't, comes recommended.
lukesdad
Guest
In answer to the question, depends how long the climb is. You are probably going to need something extra towards the top. If its a long one this presents a problem. I would say about 10 mins before but, if it takes you 25 mins to climb, you would be taking it on the climb. Thats a waste of energy. Far better to have consumed solid food throughout the ride.
Rohloff_Brompton_Rider
Formerly just_fixed
it's also a bloody expensive way to get uphills.
navrat_biker
New Member
- Location
- UK
gels work within about 5-10 mins so should be timed for when you are feelin the lag in pace. there are gels with or without caffeine so depends on which you would prefer.
One of the best sellers is SiS gel and high 5. if you want any further advice/info you can PM me if you like or email at contact@bodymaxsupplements.co.uk
One of the best sellers is SiS gel and high 5. if you want any further advice/info you can PM me if you like or email at contact@bodymaxsupplements.co.uk
Fiona N
Veteran
I agree with Gavintc - the gels I occasionally use (SiS) definitely give a short-lived but marked 'perkiness' (great word, that, describes the feeling precisely 
) in the legs.
I certainly wouldn't want to use them for a whole long outing (>100km, say) when I can stop at cafes etc. and I don't get that knackered on a short ride that I need them.
But facing Black Horse hill from Sedbergh to Kendal at the back end of 200km through the Dales and a gel is just the boost for those 18% ramps on the mile-long climb
) in the legs. I certainly wouldn't want to use them for a whole long outing (>100km, say) when I can stop at cafes etc. and I don't get that knackered on a short ride that I need them.
But facing Black Horse hill from Sedbergh to Kendal at the back end of 200km through the Dales and a gel is just the boost for those 18% ramps on the mile-long climb
Fiona N
Veteran
jimboalee said:
I've fairly often used a can of coke - warm is best as the CO2 gas is lost quicker but it's rather unpalatable - at the end of a long hard ride to get me back the last 30km or so. I reckon the combo of sugar and caffeine gives a more sustained energy peak than a gel (10-15mins for a small gel v. 1 hour per 330ml can). The problem is the time to drink the stuff (which I don't like) with all that fizz... not a pleasant experience
iAmiAdam
New Member
Gels are more convenient if you don't want to stop, ie. racing.
