Training & Nutrition - High5 and the like: Are these worth taking?

I ordered a carbon bottle cage and along with it arrived a water bottle a number of sample High5 sachets. To date I have never drank anything other than water when riding and water when I finish a ride. OK the most I've done in one session is about 70 miles so water, bananas and choccie bar have done the job.

Am I missing out on something by not taking these?

I have water in one bottle and GatorAde in the other bottle. I carry Hammer Gels with me for energy. Much smaller than a banana and chocolate bar, plus chocolate melts in your jersey pocket. :(

Click Here (http://www.accelerade.com/science/FeaturedStudy.aspx) and read the article. If you don't enjoy the scientific jargon, there's still a great lesson to be learned from it. Absolutely, there's a HUGE difference between water and sports drinks...obviously, you can see which I prefer. I've ridden with Dr. Saunders (who did the research on that page), and I've participated in one of his other studies. Those results are completely scientifically founded (rather than opinionated).

Also, if you want some more EASY reading, HERE (http://www.scribd.com/doc/25586695/Basic-Exercise-Physiology-Cycling?secret_password=1fn4z6lasmy01r2161mk) is an article I wrote to explain some very basic physiology, that helps to explain WHY nutrition/fuel is important during a ride. Enjoy.

Accelerade makes be do bad, bad things to my toilet.