"Research has shown that the most efficient and effective sports drinks have a carbohydrate concentration of 6 – 8 percent and absorb into the bloodstream quickly, at about the rate of plain water."

Gatorade use both sucrose and glucose, and a roughly 6% carb content. People keep drinking it because I works.

I too often ride fasted, with one bottle of Gatorade and one of straight water. The bit of carbs as well as the salts make a big difference, especially in the warmer months.