Originally Posted by
terrymorse
Electrolyte in your drink is not just about maintaining your sodium. It's also there to help your body absorb the water you're drinking.
Plain water takes longer to get out of your GI system than an isotonic solution (same concentration of solutes as the fluid inside a cell). A little salt with some sugar can make plain water isotonic. Water sloshing around in your gut is not beneficial, and it may lead to an upset tummy.
I hear ya and agree. But, its why I said that everyone is different. I can drink a bunch of water with no issues, no sloshy stomach or cramps - but I have to really moderate any "sports" type drink or I will get an upset stomach. Like 1 sip of sports drink to every 5+ hits from the water bottle.
And - for those of us that have to worry, really worry, about weight/calories, the added sugar isn't always proactive.
So personally - I only take and need sports type drinks on long events. Not on my daily 1.5+/- hour rides. And PB is only talking about 2 6 mile loops...