I've tried a bit of everything and what I've found is the best thing is what works for you. I've use Heed, Sustained Energy, Gels, Gatorade, PowerAde, Accelerade, Electolyte Tablets, Cliff Bars, PB&J and any number of various foods.

I think that because I started and have used Gatorade for so long that my system is just accustomed to that as one of my staples. I can even notice a difference between PowerAde and GatorAde. What always works for me are: Gatorade, Bananas, Lance Toasty Peanut Butter crackers and all that supplemented by Hammer Gel and Electrolyte tablets depending on the temps and duration of the ride. Throwing in a 12oz can of Coke with 1-2 hours left in the ride seems to be both a mental and physical boost for me as well.

If you experiment, do it on training rides before an event-otherwise your long ride could become a real train wreck should something not agree with your digestive system.

Oh-the best thing I've ever done is to use R4 immediately after a ride (comes in powder and various flavors-fruit punch here). The 4:1 combo of carbs to protein seems to work really well for me. I suspect you can get similar assistance using chocolate milk but my digestive track doesn't handle milk at all. Plus sometimes it's hard to keep milk cool when rides start/finish away from the house!! BTW, Supplemental Warehouse has the large containers on a great sale right now..