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So I have been noticing people popping pills, eating power bars and loading up on these gels before our rides and I finally tried my first one this weekend, It was a gel that tasted horible (apple pie I think) I got lock jaw once it hit my mouth but I was suprised to find I was actaully climbing a hill going 20mph. So I guess I'm hooked, but there are so many choices out there.
What are your favorites????? Where are the best places to buy them online?
If you look back in the Nutrition/Hydration thread, you should find some discussions of various "high-tech" foods.
That said . . . it depends on your needs. Bars are for when you actually need food - but they must be digested, so they don't provide an immediate boost. I love gels because I have a sensitive stomach and can't have much in it when I exercise (especially running), and gels provide a hit of readily-accessible energy without much bulk. They are basically a hit of sugar, and it's available for your muscles within maybe 15 minutes (depending on what's in your stomach and what you are doing). During a triathlon I eat a gel about 15 minutes before the start, and then another one halfway through the race (or more than one if it's a long race). I don't think you need a gel or anything else unless you are going to be exercising for more than an hour - and then you might want a gel for every 45 minutes to an hour that you're exercising. I only eat bars for recovery, or maybe on a long bike ride - but I don't like most of them and would rather eat peanut butter crackers or something.
Unfortunately you have to try the different kinds of gels etc. to see which taste the least offensive to you. I wouldn't say any of them are particularly *delicious.* I like GU's, most of which also contain a little caffeine. Buy a variety of single servings until you find one you like - don't want to be stuck with a case of something gross. I buy them from REI usually, because they give a 20% discount if you buy more than 12, but if you don't have one near you it may not be as good a deal with shipping.
Another alternative to gels is Clif Shot Bloks - basically a solid gel, sort of gummy-bear-like. These are just nice when you can't face another yucky gooey gel, but not as easily portable.
I'd be willing to bet you'll get a different answer from everyone who posts on this thread.
For me, Gu is the best tasting gel. I like espresso love, triberry, and just plain over the other flavors. I got sick of vanilla and chocolate is too thick - like frosting. Bleh. I keep a Gu flask, which will hold five packets, in my Bento Box right in front of me, and suck some down every 45 minutes or so on the fly. I'll eat an energy bar, Luna usually, while stopped perhaps, but not while riding. Same with Sport Beans and Bloks. Too difficult to unwrap. Plus I don't like having bits of food in my mouth while riding. Gu solves that.
I carry only water unless it's hot out or I'm riding over 50 miles. Then I'll add Cytomax or Gatorade powder half strength to one water bottle. I carry it with me in tiny ziplock bags made for beads. Michael's crafts sells them.
I get Gu in bulk at REI so I get the discount when I buy 12+ of an item.
I think the best thing to do is just experiment until you find foods that you like and that work for you.
I prefer hammer gels. I think the gels are just something that you need to get used to eating. The very first time I tried one, ugh, I thought it was gross. I tried it again and it got easier. Now, I enjoy the taste. My favorite flavors of Hammer are...Raspberry, Banana, and Expresso (for the caffiene). DH loves the apple cinnamon (maybe that's what you had?). I really think it's something that you just get used to.
If you do a froogle search for Hammer Gel Sampler or Hammer Gel Variety, you can find some online stores that offer multiple flavors (or Gu Variety). Or, you can just go to your lbs and try a new one each time :)
I too am a fan of Hammer gels. Actually I use many of their products, electrolyte drink, recovery drink etc.
I like plain and vanilla gels.
my favs based on flavor:
ENERGY DRINK: Cytomax Cool Citrus
RECOVERY MIX: Endurox Chocolate
GELS: Powerbar Strawberry-Banana
BARS: Cliff Bar (any flavor. they're all awesome)
Honestly? There is no one best drink. You can drink watered down juice or Gatorade during a ride, use chocolate milk or a pricier recovery drink after, and suck on Gu or Power Gels or eat a banana as you ride. You need to figure out what works for you -- and what you like the taste of!
Even Chris Carmichael, Lance Armstrong's trainer, says to experiment, see what you like, and then STICK WITH IT. (He uses the Power line of products, but he's heavily sponsored.)
Yeah, when you find what works for you it feels darn near miraculous! I'm set, right down to the flavor of Clif Blok and Clif electrolyte! (I have my favorite Lara Bars, but I'll eat any of them. Not quite as picky there.)
When you do find what you like and what works for you, buy in bulk! Huge bulk that you never dreamed you'd eat, cuz you will use it up! Very very quickly!
I get my Clif through REI, because of the 20% off with 12 or more items. I get a case or two of Bloks (they each count as 12 items) and a jar or two of electrolyte on each shopping trip.
The difference it makes on my rides and tri-training to have "my" fuel is well worth the expense. Gotta love having that energy and a calm tummy!