Basically B.S.

Sure, you could get away with 2hrs at endurance power without calories, but without any indication of the intensity of the ride, it's pretentious and simply incorrect to just tell someone they need no nutrition for 2 hours of effort.

Yes, the average liver has 2000kj in it and you're not likely to truly bonk in 2 hrs, but if you're training hard and trying to maximize recovery, it's foolish to think you won't want calories during the ride.

O.P. -- carbs aren't all just carbs, so maybe finding some maltodextrin to mix with the sucrose or something would be a good way to replicate the higher priced gels/powders. But, if sugar is working for your needs, no harm done, I guess. I drink a Coke every weekend ride (HFCS! The horror!) and feel great.