You just have to figure out what works for you. If you bonk when you don't eat anything, try eating something. Bananas are good, easy to peel and eat while in the saddle. I find that energy bars are hard to peel and eat, so I avoid them. I also find 'shots' to be messy. I like the little chewy bits -- Clif Blocks, Sport Beans -- for a quick shot o' carbs when my energy starts to get low.