GU(or other) energy gels?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,269
Bikes: Mostly schwinn... few classics
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
GU(or other) energy gels?
Are they worth it? I want to keep my packing light and still want a good nutrition during the day. I am not using these to substitute all my meals but I want to know if they actually do what they say!!
Thanks
Thanks
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Boston (sort of)
Posts: 3,878
Bikes: 1 road, 1 Urban Assault Vehicle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Define "worth it". They're pretty much pure sugar (in some form), sometimes with electrolytes added, which makes them appropriate for some situations and not for others. They are not a meal substitute, and are not marketed as such. They are not a low-calorie food. They are appropriate for situations where prolonged exercise has exhausted your glucose. They are not appropriate for light or short-duration exercise.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,266
Bikes: 2009 Fuji Newest 1.0, 2011 Trek 3900 Disc MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ive used them in races. The most Ive ever taken was 4, which was during my first half-marathon. I dont use them for every race, but I do use them during extremely hot races, or long races. When I havent slept well the night before, I've used them a couple of times during 5k's but I find I don't notice much of a difference in shorter races.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,210
Bikes: Firefly custom Road, Ira Ryan custom road bike, Ira Ryan custom fixed gear
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I like them. Quick and easy and i get a noiticeable boost in energy from them. I use them for longer rides -- approximately one per 30 miles (2 hrs) or so. Usuallly mix it up with bars, proper meals, etc.
Some of them have caffeine. My favorites are the Vanilla and coffee
Some of them have caffeine. My favorites are the Vanilla and coffee
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,269
Bikes: Mostly schwinn... few classics
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well I do a minimum of 27 miles commute(round trip), I am just looking for things to give the little boost I need once in awhile
Last edited by funrover; 10-07-08 at 11:57 AM.
#7
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,218
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 1,234 Times
in
615 Posts
Have not felt any energy from any of them.
I can feel the Extra Energy from a Coke or Pepsi.
Seems to be a combo of caffeine and sugar that boost me.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Near Sacramento
Posts: 4,886
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I like GU a lot. But I don't use them very often. Less often as my fitness improves. I used to suck one down 18 miles into a 36 mile ride. Now I don't. If I'm on a long ride (3+ hours), I'll start with a Clif bar after an hour, lunch when appropriate, and a GU when and if needed. I always bring a couple along just in case.
__________________
-------
Some sort of pithy irrelevant one-liner should go here.
-------
Some sort of pithy irrelevant one-liner should go here.
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,269
Bikes: Mostly schwinn... few classics
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sounds like I really don't need them for my riding. It's only once in awhile(maybe once a week if that) where I get a little tired on the commute. I will look for better food alternatives. As that is prob. my problem anyway
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Boston (sort of)
Posts: 3,878
Bikes: 1 road, 1 Urban Assault Vehicle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Yeh, with a commute that's 13 miles one way (a respectable but not butt-kicking ride), I think that you're better off with that "tired" feedback when it comes -- because it is telling you something. Maybe "gotta eat a little better (and not try to make up for it with little gel paks)". Maybe "that century yesterday kinda kicked my butt". Maybe "I'm eating okay but I'm not recovering right". Maybe "I need to switch off the TV/computer and get to bed at a decent hour". Whatever, it's useful info so best not to mask the symptoms.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 382
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you usually bonk an hour or two into a ride, GU might be a good choice for you. They definitely provide energy. For proof, stop by my place shortly after my seven year old finds a chocolate GU in the kitchen cabinet.
I used to eat at least one every ride until my fitness improved. Now I stick with the Sport Beans or maybe a Clif bar for longer rides (40+ miles).
I used to eat at least one every ride until my fitness improved. Now I stick with the Sport Beans or maybe a Clif bar for longer rides (40+ miles).
#13
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use the clif gels during runs over 10 miles or 90 minutes. I never use them on the bike because I usually eat a clif bar or fruit since I have the space to carry such items. I only use the gels on runs because they are easy to carry and eat while on the move.
#14
Shredding Grandma!
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803
Bikes: I don't own any bikes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I always carry GU. Let me tell you about 60 miles into a century, they have saved my life.
Basically I start using GU every hour after I ride more than 30 miles and have distance still to go. It's always worth having some energy supplement with you - whether GU, raisins, fig bars, protein bars whatever. You just never know.
Basically I start using GU every hour after I ride more than 30 miles and have distance still to go. It's always worth having some energy supplement with you - whether GU, raisins, fig bars, protein bars whatever. You just never know.
__________________
______________________________________________________________
Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
______________________________________________________________
Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,269
Bikes: Mostly schwinn... few classics
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yeh, with a commute that's 13 miles one way (a respectable but not butt-kicking ride), I think that you're better off with that "tired" feedback when it comes -- because it is telling you something. Maybe "gotta eat a little better (and not try to make up for it with little gel paks)". Maybe "that century yesterday kinda kicked my butt". Maybe "I'm eating okay but I'm not recovering right". Maybe "I need to switch off the TV/computer and get to bed at a decent hour". Whatever, it's useful info so best not to mask the symptoms.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Southern Illinois
Posts: 778
Bikes: Giant "Rainier"
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When I ride over 25 miles, I can start dropping energy at about 18-20 miles if I have not ate well before hand. I have tried 3-4 different ones and most make me want to throw up, except for the "Carboom" Apple Cinnamon. I swear, I could eat that on toast for breakfast
I don't get jacked up from it, but in my head, I feel better and that is what matters to me.
Jay
I don't get jacked up from it, but in my head, I feel better and that is what matters to me.
Jay
#17
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Read the label. Take after 45 then every 20 minutes after that. Something of that sort. I only use them on centuries with 10,000 ft of climbing. And just as the directions suggest.
Other than that. I don't feel a need for them on short flat rides. Never felt a thing using them.
A good breakfast gets me thru 50-60. Any longer, A ClifBar. If it's 100, then a sandwich at 70.
Other than that. I don't feel a need for them on short flat rides. Never felt a thing using them.
A good breakfast gets me thru 50-60. Any longer, A ClifBar. If it's 100, then a sandwich at 70.
#18
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Check out this article for a little info on all types of energy bars/drinks/gels
https://www.runnersworld.com/article/...5956-0,00.html
https://www.runnersworld.com/article/...5956-0,00.html
#19
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 16,057
Bikes: Techna Wheelchair and a Sun EZ 3 Recumbent Trike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
Hear, hear! Wiser words have rarely been spoken here.
Yeh, with a commute that's 13 miles one way (a respectable but not butt-kicking ride), I think that you're better off with that "tired" feedback when it comes -- because it is telling you something. Maybe "gotta eat a little better (and not try to make up for it with little gel paks)". Maybe "that century yesterday kinda kicked my butt". Maybe "I'm eating okay but I'm not recovering right". Maybe "I need to switch off the TV/computer and get to bed at a decent hour". Whatever, it's useful info so best not to mask the symptoms.
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
yeh, with a commute that's 13 miles one way (a respectable but not butt-kicking ride), i think that you're better off with that "tired" feedback when it comes -- because it is telling you something. Maybe "gotta eat a little better (and not try to make up for it with little gel paks)". Maybe "that century yesterday kinda kicked my butt". Maybe "i'm eating okay but i'm not recovering right". Maybe "i need to switch off the tv/computer and get to bed at a decent hour". Whatever, it's useful info so best not to mask the symptoms.
#21
Destroyer of Wheels
I really like the Clif Shots. And +100 ^^^
__________________
The Almighty Clyde FAQ || Northeast Index
eTrex Vista References || Road Reference
It's the year of the enema!
The Almighty Clyde FAQ || Northeast Index
eTrex Vista References || Road Reference
It's the year of the enema!
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,269
Bikes: Mostly schwinn... few classics
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts