Quote Originally Posted by tulip
Really, for rides of fewer than 40 miles or so, you only need water (PLAIN water) and a banana. Otherwise, you're likely going overboard with the sugar and calories.
Not necessarily. I know a lot of people who get upset stomachs from banana during a ride (especially with anaerobic hill climbing spurts or intervals) and anything over an hour in our summer weather means you need electrolytes.

I think the point of the discussion is to find what each person’s GI tract, metabolism demands and taste buds can tolerate or prefer. Then, try to gauge how to apply that to one’s own exertion level (intensity and distance). You can't just make the assumption that your 40 mile ride is equivalent to anyone else's 40 mile ride. My 34-mile ride tonight will include 3 4-mile intervals at time trial pace in 90 degree weather. A banana (or any solid food) and water only is recipe for disaster. If I were to do the same course at a recovery level, I might be OK with a banana, but one benefit to gels and drink mixes is the lack of needing to fumble with the wrapper or store the trash. Very easy for on the bike calorie intake.