NYMXer

I just learned about the energy gels for supplementation during long rides. After some personal research, I bought "e Gel" because they are caffeine free, contain electrolytes and have 150 calories. So far, I am happy with the product but truthfully, I can not compare to other similar ones because I never tried them. I take one before a ride with water and sometimes one during a ride with more water.
I also make my own energy drink for riding from 3 tablespoons honey and about the same apple cider vinegar diluted in 20 oz of water. I don't use other drinks and sometimes might just take along an extra bottle of plain water.

So, with that said, what do you use, how often and why (brand A vrs others)? Do you use your brand out of convenience or ingredients? Any other riding drink secrets?

berner

I've been using Hammer Nutrition gels on rides of over 30 miles. They get the job done and I find them palatable where other sources of calories are not. I've not tried other gels that may work just as well for me.

OldTryGuy

After using the others, I now use e-gel because of the better consistency and greater amount of available ingredients. For caffeine I use Cliff Shot Chocolate Cherry-100mg of caf. The e-gel was my main source of fuel during 2014 Ironman Florida's 112 miles done non stop.

NYMXer

OldTryGuy, I take it that you looked into other gel's and decided on e Gel? I just remembered another key reason for going with e Gel, my sensitive stomach is easily upset and the e Gel seemed to ward off the runs, according to other people's testimonies. My experience has shown no ill effects, so I continue to use the product. I also like the variety of flavors and while they really don't taste all that much different, they don't taste like wall paper paste either.
I deliberately wanted to avoid anything with caffeine in it like GU and I like that I get a dose and a half, rather than smaller doses for the same price.

Jarrett2

Hammer Gel Raspberry in the flask. Tastes decent and works for me.

OldTryGuy

OldTryGuy, I take it that you looked into other gel's and decided on e Gel? ...............................NYMXer

I was using other gels without issues when a biking friend gave me one to try. Cold weather flow is better, greater amount of nutrients per gel pack, good ingredients and the comparison charts to other gels was very enlightening.

sprince

Tried gels once. They taste nasty, are mostly sugar and are not especially satisfying if you are hungry. I prefer plain whole milk; less sugar, 10x more nutrition, cheap, and doesn't rot your teeth.

NYMXer

sprince, I do not know on what factual information you base your opinion on. Not all gel's are created equal and some might be high in sugar for calories, the better ones are not. They cost about $1 each and milk is less nutritional, not 10x's more. Also, milk will rot your teeth very quickly, that's why it isn't a good practice to let teething babies fall asleep with 100% milk in a bottle. What about lactic acid from the milk?
I am not saying milk does a body harm, I am saying your post is inaccurate and based on conjecture, not facts. Hey, we all have our opinions as we are entitled to but let's not post them as facts.

wolfchild

I don't use energy gels, I prefer to rely on fat to fuel my cycling and other physical activities.

sprince

There are big differences between dextrose, fructose and lactose, lactose is a disaccharide and in much lower concentration than sugar levels found in typical gels (there is also a PH issue)...

Carbohydrates

Milk has 8 grams of protein per cup and a fair amount of potassium. If you just want pure carbs, oat starch is a much better choice.

Teething babies don't yet have fully developed tooth enamel, pretty much any sugar at any concentration will do that.

One dollar for one gel vs. cost of one cup of milk, it's not even close.

To be fair, there could be a gel product with no simple sugars, a reasonable amount of protein and still costs less per serving than milk. If you know of one, please share with those interested in gels.

NYMXer

Ah, but that is exactly what this thread is about, people interested in gels. You came into it, we didn't invade your thread. It's all good, I am glad that you came in and offered an alternative for all to consider. I think, for me, milk on a hot day, going along for a ride in the sun and providing lactic acid for my muscles is reason enough to look elsewhere but if it is working for you, then I am happy that you found your sport drink.

sauer1911

Lately I have been experiencing a sort of blood sugar crash after about 2 miles of riding. Sweaty, cold chills, nausea. So from now on, I have a small bowl of oatmeal laced with honey and nuts. Then to be followed by a pre ride gel and lots o water. Should help to stave off the ill feelings. As of now I am just starting to sample the gels, had a lemon flavored one, meh kinda boring but sometimes you just need the fuel.

Chuck

OldTryGuy

Gels are not for everyone. MILK is not for everyone.

One thing I know for sure is that when I'm on the Saturday ride with the LBS guys and others and we are riding along at 24mph+, for this 65yo phart, grabbing for a glass of milk is not likely whereas going for a gel that I have in my frame pouch is a no brainer. With only a sip of water to follow, the nutrients are in my system pronto and without stomach issues.

When stopped at a convenience store with no additional hard riding, grabbing a banana and chocolate milk is GREAT.

pdlamb

Hammer Montana Huckleberry, because I like the flavor.

I only consume a gel when I need some quick energy for <5 miles. It's not part of my nutritional plan (partly because I don't have such a plan, mostly because a gel's really just a quick 100 calories). If I've got further to go when I'm approaching a bonk, I'll eat something more substantial.

ThermionicScott 

Dried apricots.

chaadster

I always carry a gel pack or two, for "just in case" reasons, for example, just in case I'm +2 hours in on a hard group ride, my bottle of Hammer Heed drink is empty, and I've still got +1 hour to go with some hard efforts.

I choose the GU Chocolate Espresso because it has good consistency of texture, tastes good enough and seems to work. I also like and use GU Vanilla.

GravelMN

Milk will not "rot your teeth very quickly", teething babies should not be allowed to fall asleep with any food product in a bottle. Having small amounts of food in continuous contact with the newly forming teeth creates a breeding ground for bacteria which produce acids that corrode the very thin enamel of a baby's teeth. Fruit juices, formula, breast milk, cow/goat milk, any product subject to bacterial growth will have the same effect. It has nothing to do with any inherent quality of milk.

As far as lactic acid in milk; fresh milk has very little lactic acid with a pH of 6.7 to 6.9 for fresh cow's milk. As milk ages bacteria convert lactose into lactic acid which is why milk goes sour. In controlled conditions this can be used to create yogurt, kifer and some cheeses. Again, none of these milk products, even fermented, will "rot your teeth very quickly" unless they are held in continuous contact with the tooth enamel for extended periods. Even minimal oral hygiene will negate any effect on teeth from milk products and there are many, many other foods and drinks that are much more hazardous to your teeth.

Many energy gels on the other hand, especially fruit flavors, have added citric, maltic, fumaric and ascorbic acids added to give them a tart taste making them far more acidic than milk. Add that to the fact that even the "quality" ones like Gu and Hammer are primarily a mixture of maltodextrin and sugars like glucose, dextrose, and fructose. Much worse for your teeth than any dairy product.

Maltodextrin is an interesting ingredient as it is nothing more than a string of sugar (glucose) molecules held together by very weak bonds. Technically a complex carbohydrate, the polysaccharide has a glycemic index as high or higher than many sugars at 95 to 105. Maltodextrins are classified by dextrose equivalend (DE) and have a DE between 3 to 20. The higher the DE value, the shorter the glucose chains, the higher the sweetness, the higher the solubility and the lower heat resistance. Above DE 20, the European Union's CN Code calls it glucose syrup. The glycosidic bonds between the sugar molecules are so weak that the amylase in your saliva breaks much of it down into simple sugars before it even hits your stomach. Another interesting tidbit is that labeling requirements in the USA only require a manufacturer to list the ingredients as they exist when added to a product. Maltodextrin can be broken down by exposure to moisture and heat as well as by contact with enzymes or acids. The result is that it may have been maltodextrin when it went into the batch, but by the time it hits the store shelves, its just more sugar. So far manufacturers have been able to get around listing this sugar on the label because it went into the mix as a complex carbohydrate. So when you see maltodextrin on the label, for all practical physiological purposes, its just more sugar, no matter what the hypesters and spin doctors in the sports nutrition industry want you to believe.

So basically, the majority of sports gels, including some of the way over-priced popular ones, are really nothing more than acidic, naturally and/or artificially flavored blobs of sugar and/or soon to be sugar maltodextrin with maybe a pixie dusting of vitamins and electrolytes, and possibly some caffeine or other stimulant.

Ingredients Found in Energy Gels
Carbohydrate Types in Energy Gels

The nutrition label for Gu Jet Blackberry



Jet Blackberry

INGREDIENTS: Maltodextrin, Water, Fructose, Natural Flavors, Leucine, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Green Tea (Leaf) Extract (Contains Caffeine), Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Valine, Sea Salt, Malic Acid, Gellan Gum, Isoleucine, Sunflower Oil, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative).

Here is a link to the other Gu products nutrition labels and ingredients: https://guenergy.com/shop/energy-gel

And just to be fair, here's the nutrition info for Hammer Gel Tropical

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1.7 tablespoons (33g)
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 90
Calories from fat 0
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 40mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 7%
Sugars 2g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 2%
Not a significant source of calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin A, calcium, or iron.
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Water, Pineapple Concentrate, Energy Smart® (Grape Juice, Rice Dextrin), Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Salt, Potassium Sorbate (as a preservative), Caffeine, Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Alanine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine), Potassium Chloride.
This product is processed in a facility that also processes Dairy & Soy products.

And the link to their nutrition page: Hammer Gel - Carbohydrate Energy Gel | Hammer Nutrition

Virtually no nutrition other than a load of simple carbohydrate and a small amount of sodium and potassium. Useful for quick energy but hardly a health food. How do you consider milk "less nutritious" than these gels? I'm not saying milk is a good drink for quick energy when riding hard, just saying that gels are no miracle performance food, just a shot of concentrated carbs. A packet of honey is probably just as good and you wouldn't be paying for 30 second TV spots and product placement at major cycling events and full page ads in cycling magazines (you sure aren't paying for the product itself, keep reading).

What should really upset athletes is that they are paying $1 to $1.50 for about two tablespoons of flavored maltodextrin and fructose (with a dribble of water) either of which retail for about $1 a pound in a 50 pound bag and are available wholesale in bulk to manufacturers for a small fraction of that price. So for the price of 100 tiny gel packets, you could have 100# of the same raw materials (a 93% savings). Just mix them with some fruit juice to make a gel or add more water to make a sports drink, add a pinch of Morton Lite Salt (half sodium chloride, half potassium chloride) and you're ready to go without buying 100s of little foil pouches to litter the trails with.

Try this one:

1/2 cup pineapple, orange, lemon or lime juice (or blend of your choice)
2 1/2 cups water
2 tbsp maltodextrin (30g)
2 tbsp fructose or table sugar (30g)
Pinch of Morton Lite Salt

This makes 24 ounces of sports drink with the energy equivalent (similar grams of carbohydrate and GI) to about three Gu or Hammer gels with a similar amount of sodium and potassium. 330 kCal all in high GI carbohydrate. No wasteful, sticky packaging to carry around empty in a jersey pocket or litter the trail with and a cost of less than 50 cents (83% savings). Save $2.50 x three rides per week for five years = $1,950 the cost of a Specialized Tarmac Sport.

NYMXer

I use e Gel, here is their nutritional table. Like I said, I am unfamiliar with other gels and that is why I started this thread.

gregf83 

I've tried gels but they're too messy for me. I prefer dates. About 60 Cals/date just about the perfect mix of sugars and less than 1/2 the price of gels.

If you want something in your drink I would just buy maltodextrin. Very inexpensive if you buy 50lbs or you can get smaller quantities from local sources.

Better yet get Alan Lim's Feed Zone Portable and make your own. Far more palatable than any gels.

wolfchild

You bonk after only 2 miles ??...That looks like symptoms of carboholism and sugar addiction.
Fix your diet before it's too late.

ThermionicScott 

If nothing else, @sauer1911 ought to consult his doctor to make sure a serious medical condition isn't at play.

sauer1911

[QUOTE=ThermionicScott;18265944]If nothing else, @sauer1911 ought to consult his doctor to make sure a serious medical condition isn't at play.[/QUOTE

�� Dr says I am fine. What I did was go out with an empty tank, vintage bike that still needs more work.
I just did a nice early 10 miles with the new Trek mtb, good carbo breakfast of oatmeal,pnut butter n pecans. Followed up with a few gels everything was fine. Lots of water and I'm getting my bike stamina back!

it takes longer when your older. And I think the crank components on my Peugeot are a bit worn. Gonna take a look.

as far as a bonk, I don't think this was that. This was epic stupid and I hope EVERYONE has learned from it��.

Dont make me do it again!
chuck

chaadster

Thanks for sharing the recipe; interesting, and I wonder if it produces a drink that's acceptable (in terms of taste, stability, etc.) to cyclists accustomed to pre-mix powders?

As for "what should really upset athletes," I can only speak for myself of course, but the convenience of gel packs and drink powders is well worth the expenditure in my mind. I just don't have the time or interest in accumulating ingredients, tracking required stock, and actually measuring and producing such a drink (again, assuming it's even acceptable to drink), or attempting to make and package some kind of similar gel. No way, José.

I've been riding since before this stuff was around, and have been through trying to unwrap foodstuffs on the fly, having rice cling to every thing, and various other annoyances related to homemade cycling stuff, so I know the convenience of a tidy package of Gu. A lot has to do with how one rides, for sure, and I can fully understand how someone willing to pull over and picnic might make different decisions. I can also understand how someone may figure spending $10-12/month on gel packs and drink powder is less appealing than laying out $50 a throw for a 10year supply of maltodextrin (plus the juice and the rest), or that choking down extremely sweet, sticky honey rather than supporting companies that fund cycling sport is a smart trade-off, but I'm for sure not one of those people. Hell, I remember when Powerbar (and later, Clif bars) hit the scene, and wrestling with wrappers and committing time to chew through that stuff...I'm glad I've left those behind largely, though I'll eat them on those rides where there are scheduled breaks and they're provided; if I can get one of those Clif Mojo bars, man, that salty peanut one is good!

I find the notion of giving up commercial energy products for five years in order to purchase a bicycle kind of sad (and the math wacky, if you're postulating substituting homemade stuff, because that cost is not included), but again, it's a way to do it for those who may not have other means.

Again, thanks for posting the recipe, and who knows, if I land upon hard times but happen across a 50lb bag of maltodextrin, I may give it a try.

Gyrine

No gels, no Gatorade, no Cliff bars, etc. I eat real food when and if I get hungry. I drink water if and when I get thirsty.

GravelMN

I can understand the need for rapidly and easily consumable fuel for those riding competitively or training at that level. My problem is when companies market overpriced tiny blobs of flavored high GI carbohydrate to the masses of cyclists, the majority of whom will never compete or train at that level, as if it has some magical sports performance enhancement properties, for WAY more than it's worth. As far a supporting companies that support cycling sport, don't kid yourself, sponsorship is not about love of the sport, it's about product placement and brand recognition to increase profits.

The math is not wacky as I included the cost of the ingredients for the homemade substitution compared to the cost of three Gu packets per ride, three times a week, at the current individual off the shelf price at my LBS. The comparison to the price of a new bike was an illustration of how much money is wasted by buying these products by people who don't actually need them, not a suggestion that one should actually finance their next bike purchase that way (though there is nothing wrong with someone being frugal to save up money for a new bike).

I don't use the above recipe as I have not fallen for the maltodextrin hype, but it was a close comparison to the commercially available products. But really, is buying 10#, 20# or 50# bags of two raw ingredients any sillier than people who will buy multiple cases of little foil pouches and a 5# or 10# bags of electrolyte drinks from Amazon. As far as time and convenience, using the posted recipe, it would take you about two minutes, once every month or two to mix a container of the dry ingredients. When you are getting ready to ride the time to mix your drink bottle would be about the same as using any commercial sports drink, the only added time would be to eyeball about a half cup of juice into the bottle first (should take the person of average coordination about 15 seconds). Total added time per month, probably less than it took you to post your reply to my post. As far as taste, most of the gels I've tasted (usually samples of the popular brands at organized events) taste like cheap cough drops at best. I'll take a homemade lemonade or limeade with real fruit juice any day.

For full disclosure, I'm not a competitive rider. I ride about 3,500 miles a year mostly mid-distance (50-100 mile) recreational/fitness rides, a weekly hard training ride or two, B group rides, several organized centuries, and some day touring and gravel grinding (just started to dabble in MTB as well).