Beta-Alanine

[s4one]

I am thinking of using this supplement because I been focusing on climbing mountains and long hills. What brand is good? Do I take this supplement right before the ride?

Should I look into using straight b-alanine or look into using Optygen?

Thanks

[Telix]

All cyclists should be taking it, because it's cheap and helps avoid lactic acid buildup. It's superior to straight L-Carnosine as well, which some companies put into their stuff. Just get 500g of the stuff on a bodybuilding store site and take 5g a day. It will take a little while to build up in your system. Get some creatine monohydrate while you are at it to increase stored ATP for quick attacks and hard out-of-the saddle climbs.

[s4one]

I do not plan to take creatine. I did pick up some b-alanine today though at GNC, I will give it a try. Can I only take it when I ride or does it have to be consistent everyday, I don't ride everyday..

Thanks

[roadbuzz]

I don't get the reference to Optygen w/regard to b-alanine. FWIW, you can save a bunch of money compared to Optygen and similar formulations by buying cordyceps and rhodiola separately.

[aikigreg]

I do not plan to take creatine. I did pick up some b-alanine today though at GNC, I will give it a try. Can I only take it when I ride or does it have to be consistent everyday, I don't ride everyday..

Thanks

Too bad. Creatine is shown to increase muscle performance as well as improve mental acuity. But I can see where you wouldn't want THAT. :roflmao2:

[LifeIsSuffering]

I do not plan to take creatine. I did pick up some b-alanine today though at GNC, I will give it a try. Can I only take it when I ride or does it have to be consistent everyday, I don't ride everyday..

Thanks

Interesting. Creatine has stood the test of time. Of course, any supplement or exercise program will have the non-responders. I'm not sure why you don't want to take it, but IF beta-alanine works as claimed (I haven't tried it yet), a creatine/b-alanine combo might be an excellent stack.

As for dosage, the recommendation on any bottle of supplement (in my experience) usually serves two functions: 1)make sure it's large/frequent enough so the customer has a higher probability of noticing results; 2) make the customer go through the product at a faster rate and, thus, sell more of the product.

For example, most creatine manufacturers recommend a loading dose of 15-20 grams per day for a week and then a maintenance dose of 5-10 grams per day. I ONLY need about 3 grams of creatine the night prior to a hard session. That's it and I weigh about 176. I tried loading and only got a debilitating pump in any athletic activity. Someone else may need more or less. So...(here we go again)...it all depends.

You'll have to experiment and see what dose/timing works best for you. There is no better way.

[joshdavis]

Interesting. Creatine has stood the test of time. Of course, any supplement or exercise program will have the non-responders. I'm not sure why you don't want to take it, but IF beta-alanine works as claimed (I haven't tried it yet), a creatine/b-alanine combo might be an excellent stack.

I can't remember who makes it, but they sell a BA/Creatine drink mix. It works ok, just the mono creatine bloats me up pretty bad. I take Creatine EE. I have BA powder and have been using it for about 6 -7 months. I have upped my dosage to about 1 tbsp. I take 1/2 like a BC powder and mix the other have in my OS drink for my rides. I wont ride without it. I also split my dosage of creatine, 3/4 pre-ride/workout and the other 1/4 post.

[The_Spaniard]

i just use nanor vapor, its a premade mix. it works fine, but the firs ttime i used it i had some stumoch discomfort. after that it was fine tho. the homie at GNC recommended a product to me called i believe orange crush, i dont remmeber exactly, i just knwo what hte package looks like, and if anyhting i will ask him, but he says it works great and he apparently swears by it, its a NO/Creatine mix with all the other stuff u usually get with a pre-workout drink, except he says it doesnt wear off in effect so there no upping your scoop the more you take it etc. i will be trying it soon hopefully.

[joshdavis]

try some NO-Shotgun. I realy enjoy it. It seems to increase my areobic abilities more than my anareobic.

[The_Spaniard]

try some NO-Shotgun. I realy enjoy it. It seems to increase my areobic abilities more than my anareobic.

ive heard good things of NO shotgun, unfortunately i can only try one thing at a time haha. hopefully i can get to NO shotgun in a couple months. do you take a post workout supplement too??

[Kiwi Coach]

I have used both EAS Phosphagen Elite and iSatori H-Blocker in NZ. It's very good stuff. Most of the top track cycling teams on using it. The Phospahgen Elite does include creatine and can lead to an increase in body weight.

[joshdavis]

ive heard good things of NO shotgun, unfortunately i can only try one thing at a time haha. hopefully i can get to NO shotgun in a couple months. do you take a post workout supplement too??

I am using Whey, BA, and Creatine. I use all pre and post. I had some samples of NO Shotgun, and ran out. I'm debating on picking that up. I've ordered a product called Arson. I had some samples of that and really enjoyed it. Its similar to a ECY stack before E was banned. I also use fish oils, B complex, and green tea extracts. I have some SciVation Xtend, I use it on occasions, but I cant really tell its doing anything for me.