Originally Posted by
Schrup
I use them for big climbs on long rides. I try to consume them 5-10 minutes before the climb followed by a big shot of propel/powerade.
I've read that it's best to just drink water with energy gels as mixing them with sports drinks that have lots of simple sugars can can somehow counteract the benefit of the gels.
Originally Posted by
biknbrian
You'd have to stop or fumble around with one every 20 to 30 min to really even help delay a bonk at all.
Some high altitude climbers have gone for two or three days eating nothing but GU (going so far as to peel open the packets and lick them clean) and water, especially on steep technical routes where it isn't feasible to stop and "cook" a meal. Probably not the greatest diet, but enough to keep a motivated person performing at a high level in a demanding environment.