Sure maltodextrin or a complex chain carb might be better than "sugar", but for endurance riding what's "wrong" with sugar? I've had plenty of sodas, etc., on my long rides with no ill effect. I'm not a huge gel fan, but I take whatever I can stomach at the time to be sure I get my 300 cal or so an hour for however many hours I am out there.

ETA if the focus is electrolyes as opposed to calories, then there are a lot better ways to get those than a gel or food product - i.e., a specific electrolyte drink and/or capsule (thermotabs, Endurolytes), which I will always have in addition to whatever food or caloric beverages I am having.