Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > General Cycling Discussion
Reload this Page >

Drinking on the bike

Search
Notices
General Cycling Discussion Have a cycling related question or comment that doesn't fit in one of the other specialty forums? Drop on in and post in here! When possible, please select the forum above that most fits your post!

Drinking on the bike

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-26-16 | 07:45 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
5 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 173
From: South Italy

Bikes: BMC SLR01; Cannondale Trail; Custom steel gravel.... plus 5 vintage

Drinking on the bike

Before the training i eat a bit of melba toast (4 of them) with butter and honey.
My non-training breakfast is one glass of milk and one expresso.

When i ride , i always the sensation "to drink more". And usuallyi drink a very small amount water , but sometimes my thirst is too high and i always end to drink 100-200ml in one squeeze.

Today i made 60+ km (mixed route , a very small ride in the flatlands and the remains climbing).
But today my thirst was justified becouse we hit more than 30°c in the rate of temperature.
I drinked one bottle of mineral salts 500ml (damn! those brand was very badly , after a drink i was feeling as i eated honey) plus 500ml of water in the local fountain (hoping to be clear , becouse some fountains near here are very dangerous... for example we analized the fountain near my house and it is very dangerous for hepatitis!, i'm not kidding).
Also when i arrived in home i drink (dunno how much) a looooot more...
I used a bottle of 1L , but i drink it twice.... reason why i never used that bottle anymore...
My friend is more trained than me but he drink 1-2 times a ride! whitout hitting the 50% of the bottle...
I'm also thinking to but the mineral salts in any pharmacy and never (and never) carry with me that ugly hot and sugary soup (the name is gatorade or smt).

Did i wrong something?
Do you think is the breakfast to make me very thirsty?

Thanks for helps.
Buone pedalate
(have a good riding time).
CrowSeph is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 07:57 AM
  #2  
10 Wheels's Avatar
Galveston County Texas
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,286
From: In The Wind

Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum

I like powdered Gatorade.Mix it at what level you like.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"

10 Wheels is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 08:15 AM
  #3  
andr0id's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,522
Likes: 7
I'll usually have a gin and tonic at the 25 mile mark and maybe a Manhattan around mile 50.

Why are you trying to limit your fluid intake while riding? You should be drinking constantly and fill your bottles at a convenient stop when they get empty. You should have 2 of the large bottles mounted on your frame. They should be empty when you get home, especially if it's 30C outside.
andr0id is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 08:30 AM
  #4  
Machka's Avatar
In Real Life
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 774
From: Down under down under

Bikes: Lots

The general recommendation is one 750 ml bottle of water or sports drink every 1 to 1.5 hours while you are riding. More if it is windy, hot, or you're really exerting yourself.

Plus a glass of water or juice or something before the ride and again after.

I usually go with plain water on the bicycle, but occasionally I'll have a sports drink in one bottle and water in the other.
Machka is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 08:34 AM
  #5  
10 Wheels's Avatar
Galveston County Texas
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,286
From: In The Wind

Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum

I drink 6 bottles on a 100 mile ride.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"

10 Wheels is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 11:26 AM
  #6  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
5 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 173
From: South Italy

Bikes: BMC SLR01; Cannondale Trail; Custom steel gravel.... plus 5 vintage

Thanks for the tips , the problem is: if i drink constantly , i feel "eavy" i don't know how to explain but is like to have a block of stone in the stomach and legs start to don't work properly (after some minutes than the stomach's sensations my legs will lost theyr power too).
CrowSeph is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 11:36 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 240
Likes: 3
From: 1/2 way between Hatch and T or C, N.M.

Bikes: '95 Specilized StumpjumperFS

CrowSeph, Howdy;

Originally Posted by CrowSeph
Thanks for the tips , the problem is: if i drink constantly , i feel "eavy" i don't know how to explain but is like to have a block of stone in the stomach and legs start to don't work properly (after some minutes than the stomach's sensations my legs will lost theyr power too).
Sounds like you are retaining water and should perhaps talk to your Doctor and discuss this problem with
him/her.

hank

PS. Il tuo inglese è bene, mi ricorda di quando vivevo in Naploi nei primi anni settanta. Posso quasi sentire le tue parole con l'accento. I used a translator to get that.
hankaye is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 02:40 PM
  #8  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
5 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 173
From: South Italy

Bikes: BMC SLR01; Cannondale Trail; Custom steel gravel.... plus 5 vintage

Originally Posted by hankaye
CrowSeph, Howdy;



Sounds like you are retaining water and should perhaps talk to your Doctor and discuss this problem with
him/her.

hank

PS. Il tuo inglese è bene, mi ricorda di quando vivevo in Naploi nei primi anni settanta. Posso quasi sentire le tue parole con l'accento. I used a translator to get that.
Thanks for the tip.
ps. Grazie i live more south than naples , i live in "calabria". Nice to meet someone who like italy
CrowSeph is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 02:47 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,638
Likes: 1,251
You may be diluting your electrolytes. Put 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in your water bottle before you leave.
1989Pre is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 03:14 PM
  #10  
drlogik's Avatar
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,089
Likes: 584

Bikes: '87-ish Pinarello Montello; '89 Nishiki Ariel; '85 Raleigh Wyoming, '16 Wabi Special, '16 Wabi Classic, '14 Kona Cinder Cone, 2023 Surly Disk Trucker

Never limit or hold back drinking water. Generally there is no need for added salt or Gatorade for a 60k ride. If it was a 200k ride I'd say diluted Gatorade in one bottle only (the remaining bottles just water). Drink plain water in small amounts constantly. That bloated heavy feeling may come from drinking too much water at once. I to get that feeling if I guzzle more than half a bottle. Depending on heat, humidity, etc plan on one full large bottle every 30 to 60 mins.

For a 60k ride I take a minimum of three large size water bottles and probably two more in my jersey pocket. It's better to have too much than too little and hit the wall.

The secret is to take in as much or a little more than you are sweating out. That's why it's important to constantly drink. You don't sweat in batches do you? Right, then drink a constant flow. If you stop sweating, it's too late. You're already behind in your water intake. If you get there, drink smaller portions of water at more frequent intervals (two big swallows every 5 mins or so) in an attempt to keep up with the out-take of water. Remember that your body processes plain water much more quickly and effectively than Gaterade or other drinks.

Last edited by drlogik; 06-26-16 at 03:31 PM.
drlogik is online now  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 03:21 PM
  #11  
canklecat's Avatar
Me duelen las nalgas
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas

Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel

Most people can and should drink as much water as they like. Very few people can or will drink too much or risk medical problems from drinking too much water. Most normally healthy people will vomit before they can drink too much water. If you're feeling bloated, and dislike energy drinks that are too sweet, you can mix your own drinks.

For centuries (years, not bicycle mileage), many cultures have developed drinks to satisfy thirst in hot weather. Some people find they feel bloated if they drink as much water as they need to prevent dehydration. In the U.S. traditional popular drinks included switchel, haymaker's punch and similar homemade beverages. These usually include a little apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, a little honey or molasses, sometimes ginger and other herbs or spices to improve the flavor and help with digestion. These traditional drinks are not too sweet and are a little tart. The acidic vinegar and/or lemon helps to clear the mouth of phlegm and leaves the mouth feeling fresher and cleaner.

Personally I enjoy an unpasteurized, unfiltered traditional ale midway through a ride, or immediately afterward. It's not a good idea to drink too much of any alcoholic beverage while exercising in hot weather, but we can metabolize one beer pretty quickly. Alcohol was among the earliest forms of "doping" among bicycle racers. The most I've consumed during a 125 mile ride was a six pack of beer, kept in my handy handlebar bag. This was a day tour, not a race, in a very hot part of Mexico. While I wouldn't recommend it, or repeat that stunt, the only ill effect I suffered was desperately trying to find a place to urinate without being arrested for indecency.
canklecat is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 03:45 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 496
From: Bristol, R. I.

Bikes: Specialized Secteur, old Peugeot

I frequently weigh myself after a ride in hot weather. Often, it is difficult to drink as much as we perspire during such hot weather. If my weight is lower after the ride by more than one half liter I know without doubt I should have been drinking more. This is a very objective measure of hydration level.
berner is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 05:04 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 240
Likes: 3
From: 1/2 way between Hatch and T or C, N.M.

Bikes: '95 Specilized StumpjumperFS

CrowSeph, Howdy;

I know "calabria", I was in the US Coast Guard and flew from Naples to Calabria to supply the LORAN station there
every month.The LORAN station was in, I think, Catanzaro and we would fly into Aeroporto Internazionale di Lamezia.
We also flew to Sardinia, Libya (until 1970), Turkey, Rhodes Greece and a few other places in Spain, Germany and then
Lampedusa where we built a new station to replace the one in Libya.

hank
hankaye is offline  
Reply
Old 06-26-16 | 08:48 PM
  #14  
Machka's Avatar
In Real Life
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 774
From: Down under down under

Bikes: Lots

Originally Posted by CrowSeph
Thanks for the tips , the problem is: if i drink constantly , i feel "eavy" i don't know how to explain but is like to have a block of stone in the stomach and legs start to don't work properly (after some minutes than the stomach's sensations my legs will lost theyr power too).
Make sure you're consuming electrolytes.
Machka is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 12:47 AM
  #15  
a1penguin's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 33
From: Silicon Valley, CA
When I starting biking again, I drank lots of water. As my fitness improved, I found that I drank less water. I now force myself to drink as I ride. If I am going to ride more than 30 miles I'll add fizzy electrolytes into my water to prevent cramps. Rides longer than 45 miles I also will consume Clif shot, which seem to help with leg fatigue.

In contrast, however, while hiking, I drink too much and my fingers swell up some.
a1penguin is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 02:18 AM
  #16  
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: USA

Bikes: GMC denali road bike

I am doing same things as like you.
Trace Syd is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 09:17 AM
  #17  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
5 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 173
From: South Italy

Bikes: BMC SLR01; Cannondale Trail; Custom steel gravel.... plus 5 vintage

Originally Posted by Machka
Make sure you're consuming electrolytes.
Mostly i don't use them , but i want to try for my next "long ride" and i will tell you guys the difference or is the problem was solved. thanks

buone pedalate
have a good riding time
CrowSeph is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 09:24 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324

Bikes: 2 many

Originally Posted by 10 Wheels
I drink 6 bottles on a 100 mile ride.
Me too. Large bottles filled with 50/50 water and fruit punch.

7 or 8 when it gets close to 100F or close to freezing or below.
2manybikes is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 10:02 AM
  #19  
Darth_Firebolt's Avatar
Pokemon Master
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 8
From: Arkansas

Bikes: All City Cosmic Stallion, Salsa Colossal, Surly Preamble, 1985 Schwinn High Sierra x3

What works for me is to get my riding clothes on, put on sunscreen, go to the bathroom, then just before I walk out the door I will drink about 150-200 mL of cold water and fill both of my 25 oz (.75L) bottles with a few ice cubes and cold water. I take a sip (~50-75mL) about every 15 minutes after the first 30 minutes or so. This amount of water can carry me for about 4 hours before I need to refill. So about 375 mL per hour of water intake. I don't bother with gatorade, salt, or food unless I'm going to be out more than 4 hours.
Darth_Firebolt is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 11:43 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,820
Likes: 133
Its really easy. Drink water before a ride until your pee is clear. Now you are hydrated. Right before you ride eat something salty.
__________________
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace

1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
San Rensho is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 12:01 PM
  #21  
jefnvk's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 8,206
Likes: 86
From: Metro Detroit/AA

Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama

I don't like heat, and I'm not a skinny guy. Two weekends ago, it was 33-35C, and I did 35 miles, roughly the same as your 60km each day (Friday, Sat, Sun). I drank when I was thirsty, and went through over two and a half litres every ride. That was just the monitored amount of bottles I bought and/or started with, like andr0id, I like some alternative refreshments, and generally down another glass of water with every pint of ale while biking.

Limiting water seems silly. I'm actually looking at how to carry more.
jefnvk is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 04:03 PM
  #22  
bbbean's Avatar
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,781
Likes: 511
From: Missouri

Bikes: Giant Propel, Cannondale SuperX, BMC Time Machine, Univega Alpina Ultima

My favorite CX races have beer handups that are nice, but beyond that, I typically save my drinking for once I've gotten off my bike. Don't want to spill any!
__________________

Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton


Last edited by bbbean; 06-28-16 at 12:58 PM.
bbbean is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 04:30 PM
  #23  
bobwysiwyg's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,344
Likes: 320
From: 961' 42.28° N, 83.78° W (A2)

Bikes: Mongoose Selous, Trek DS

Originally Posted by jefnvk
I don't like heat, and I'm not a skinny guy. Two weekends ago, it was 33-35C, and I did 35 miles, roughly the same as your 60km each day (Friday, Sat, Sun). I drank when I was thirsty, and went through over two and a half litres every ride. That was just the monitored amount of bottles I bought and/or started with, like andr0id, I like some alternative refreshments, and generally down another glass of water with every pint of ale while biking.

Limiting water seems silly. I'm actually looking at how to carry more.
I'm not a fan of heat either, but rode 18 mi today when 90F but as they say in Arizona, it was a dry heat. Any way, had time to mull over past rides in heat and realized I consume an average about 1 oz water per mile.
bobwysiwyg is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 06:46 PM
  #24  
vsudhir18's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 72
Likes: 1

Bikes: Supercycle Solaris Hybrid

hydrate every 10-15 minutes
vsudhir18 is offline  
Reply
Old 06-27-16 | 07:40 PM
  #25  
bransom's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis area
How much you need is highly personal. Some people need relatively little. Others, like me, need a LOT of liquid. I sweat a lot and have to drink a lot. On summer rides here in St. Louis, where it's very hot and humid, if I go longer than about 25 miles (40 km) I add electrolytes.

Personally, I'd drink when thirsty up to the point where you feel like no matter how much you drink, youre still thirsty. That's when you definitely need electrolytes.
bransom is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.