Originally Posted by
gregf83
Protein is useful for recovery but it isn't necessary on the bike. Carbs are what you need. Get your other nutrients from fruits & veggies during the day.
There have been some recent suggestions that some protein intake during a long ride improves recovery. Personally I think the "real food" advice is good. Dried fruit, a few nuts, sandwiches, bananas, I don't think power bars are superior to these nutritionally and most of them are, to me, unpleasantly sweet. It's pretty easy to get your 60g of carbs per hour from proper food.