Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Gels and bars

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Gels and bars

Old 02-12-17, 11:42 AM
  #26  
Farmer tan
 
f4rrest's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Burbank, CA
Posts: 7,986

Bikes: Allez, SuperSix Evo

Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2870 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times in 23 Posts
Originally Posted by mpath
And the banana peel goes back into your pocket right? (Until it goes into the trash at the next pit stop )
There's a peel?
f4rrest is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 01:32 PM
  #27  
Senior Member
 
Doge's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Southern California, USA
Posts: 10,474

Bikes: 1979 Raleigh Team 753

Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3374 Post(s)
Liked 371 Times in 253 Posts
I would answer that differently based on the type of riding/how hard you are going. Going hard - more sugar. Going slower and longer - more fat.
Doge is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 01:36 PM
  #28  
Senior Member
 
Jakedatc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: CT
Posts: 3,054
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 7 Posts
Originally Posted by Silvercivic27
Not even just racing, but if you're doing a fast group ride that's a drop ride, those are the times it's tough to try to eat a clif bar if you're dying to hang on. The hammer flask allows you to pretty easily get out of your pocket and take a swig one handed even at speed. Some of the guys I used to race with would even take shot bloks, lick the bottom of them and stick them on the top tube behind the stem for easy , quick access, haha
+1 I use my gel flask for fast group rides and save my bars and other things for solo rides or easier group rides that have a stop. never heard of the blok's trick haha. Tri people tape the tab of gels onto their top tube so it will rip open
Jakedatc is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 01:52 PM
  #29  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,207
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 138 Post(s)
Liked 16 Times in 13 Posts
Originally Posted by mpath
And the banana peel goes back into your pocket right? (Until it goes into the trash at the next pit stop )
I peel the banana when I'm next to a trash can. It works when I'm solo.
Athens80 is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 04:07 PM
  #30  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tucson Az
Posts: 1,667

Bikes: 2015 Ridley Fenix, 1983 Team Fuji, 2019 Marin Nail Trail 6

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 335 Post(s)
Liked 220 Times in 133 Posts
I eat Clif bars and gel packs when I'm getting over 50 miles, they're compact and don't get squished like bananas and sandwiches have in my pockets.

Eat what makes you happy
Wileyrat is online now  
Old 02-12-17, 04:17 PM
  #31  
Senior Member
 
Jakedatc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: CT
Posts: 3,054
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 7 Posts
I will say that i'm a huge fan of Lim's Apple/cinn rice cakes for rides that i know will have a stop or at least a re-group spot. 1 apple and 1/2c of rice makes enough to share with a few people
Jakedatc is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 06:24 PM
  #32  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Huge thanks to everybody, so amazing to see so many answers!

Gels
Cytomax
Gu
Hammer, which also comes in bulk and with its own flask!
Clif Shot
Clif Shot Bloks

Other food
Banana, dates, raisins, home-made bars

To add to the water
Infinit Go Far
Simply destrose

Where are you going that you can't slow down a bit? Are you racing? If not, enjoy the cliff bar as you ride - you don't have to gobble it down it two bites; it's all part of the ride.
You are so right! At least when I'm solo or on social rides, that's the way to go
Not even just racing, but if you're doing a fast group ride that's a drop ride, those are the times it's tough to try to eat a clif bar if you're dying to hang on. The hammer flask allows you to pretty easily get out of your pocket and take a swig one handed even at speed. Some of the guys I used to race with would even take shot bloks, lick the bottom of them and stick them on the top tube behind the stem for easy , quick access, haha
And this is when I'll use gels!

And again, huge thanks to all!
ZapoTeX is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 06:44 PM
  #33  
Senior Member
 
Silvercivic27's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,435

Bikes: Colnago, Cervelo, Scott

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
If you're going to use Infinit nutrition, I'd highly recommend their custom line of electrolyte drink mix that can be completely customized around your needs. They even have nutritionists who will consult with you and make recommendations at no cost.
Silvercivic27 is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 06:51 PM
  #34  
OMC
 
revchuck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 6,960

Bikes: Specialized Allez Sprint, Look 585, Specialized Allez Comp Race

Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 461 Post(s)
Liked 116 Times in 49 Posts
Originally Posted by Machka
We eat granola bars ... you'll find them in just about any grocery store and there's a wide variety to choose from. Or oatmeal raisin cookies, or ANZAC biscuits.
I assume those are WWII surplus?
__________________
Regards,
Chuck

Demain, on roule!
revchuck is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 07:33 PM
  #35  
- Soli Deo Gloria -
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779

Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix

Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times in 469 Posts
I carry Justin's Vanilla Almond Butter packets. Target and Walmart have them.





Some of the gravel racers swear by HotShot. They say it burns when it goes down but works really well, especially for those prone to cramping.



After ride it must be Topo Chico. Loaded with electrolytes. Better than any sports drink.


Last edited by TimothyH; 02-12-17 at 07:58 PM.
TimothyH is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 07:59 PM
  #36  
Non omnino gravis
 
DrIsotope's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SoCal, USA!
Posts: 8,553

Bikes: Nekobasu, Pandicorn, Lakitu

Mentioned: 119 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4905 Post(s)
Liked 1,731 Times in 958 Posts


It's like taking a shot of liquid electricity. They gave me a free one at the LBS on a ride one afternoon, and I hit like 15 Strava PRs between the shop and home-- after putting in nearly 50 miles before stopping at the shop. I was bouncing off the proverbial walls.
__________________
DrIsotope is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 08:10 PM
  #37  
Senior Member
 
Silvercivic27's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,435

Bikes: Colnago, Cervelo, Scott

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
I guess if you're going to do that, you could just buy maple syrup at the grocery store and put it in the hammer flask...
Silvercivic27 is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 08:12 PM
  #38  
Non omnino gravis
 
DrIsotope's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SoCal, USA!
Posts: 8,553

Bikes: Nekobasu, Pandicorn, Lakitu

Mentioned: 119 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4905 Post(s)
Liked 1,731 Times in 958 Posts
...but then what will limit my syrup intake? If I'm not limited by the size of the packet, it's only a matter of time before...

__________________
DrIsotope is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 08:13 PM
  #39  
Senior Member
 
Silvercivic27's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,435

Bikes: Colnago, Cervelo, Scott

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Haha I forgot about that. They apparently just finished shooting Super Troopers 2.

That would totally fit in a jersey pocket.
Silvercivic27 is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 08:46 PM
  #40  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
They gave me a free one at the LBS on a ride one afternoon, and I hit like 15 Strava PRs between the shop and home-- after putting in nearly 50 miles before stopping at the shop. I was bouncing off the proverbial walls.
That's interesting to hear - I had a waffle from the same brand a while back:



And shortly after I dropped a friend who usually drops me. Not sure I want to know what they put into their products...
ZapoTeX is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 08:48 PM
  #41  
Senior Member
 
WhyFi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,505

Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo

Mentioned: 353 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20791 Post(s)
Liked 9,436 Times in 4,663 Posts
Oh, I could get down on some waffles.
WhyFi is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 09:57 PM
  #42  
Senior Member
 
goenrdoug's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,416

Bikes: 2019 Supersix Evo, 2002 Trek 2000

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Liked 45 Times in 32 Posts
I found these after reading the label of some of the other bars.. All natural stuff.. I ordered their mixed box and they were all pretty tasty and worked as advertised.

https://www.rxbar.com
goenrdoug is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 09:57 PM
  #43  
Senior Member
 
Doge's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Southern California, USA
Posts: 10,474

Bikes: 1979 Raleigh Team 753

Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3374 Post(s)
Liked 371 Times in 253 Posts
My kid likes the Bonk Breakers Chews. He sticks them to his top tube and finds it easier to remember to eat.
Doge is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 11:12 PM
  #44  
- Soli Deo Gloria -
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779

Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix

Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times in 469 Posts
I heard tell the waffles 'r mighty tasty.
TimothyH is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 11:38 PM
  #45  
Newbie
 
realyfishy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Florida
Posts: 50

Bikes: BMC Roadmachine01, Wilier GTS, Nishiki FS2

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Cliff Shot Blocks, dissolves in your mouth quickly & really easy on the stomach. Plus, they are proportioned 6 to a pack & unlike gels they don't leak once opened.
realyfishy is offline  
Old 02-12-17, 11:43 PM
  #46  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,637

Bikes: Super Cheap gc3 approved Bike

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 572 Post(s)
Liked 52 Times in 30 Posts
I like water and banana during the ride with a protein shake after. If the ride is 2 hrs, just water, still protein shake after, why not, only 120 calories.
zymphad is offline  
Old 02-13-17, 12:51 AM
  #47  
In Real Life
 
Machka's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152

Bikes: Lots

Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times in 329 Posts
Originally Posted by revchuck
I assume those are WWII surplus?



No ... they still make them.
Machka is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sito
Training & Nutrition
7
10-10-18 07:07 PM
shona
Training & Nutrition
11
08-04-15 10:37 PM
sfleuriet
General Cycling Discussion
16
06-16-13 04:18 PM
bikebum202
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
1
05-08-13 12:50 PM
gbiker
Training & Nutrition
27
09-09-11 03:04 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

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

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.