what does everybody reccomend for energy drinks and recovery drinks. I have heard that it should be 4 to 1 ratio of carbs to protein. is this true? What brands work the best? What brands taste the best?

To heck with protein, gimme sugar and caffeine....

Jolt cola, and four No-Doz

I use cytomax.... 1 bottle per hour (ploar large) with 1 scoop of citruis and one scoop of orange.

Matt

Emergen-C

Actually I use a 2 to 1 ratio of carbs to protein( whey protein) immediately after my ride. Then about 30 minutes to 45 minutes I'll eat some regular food.

I use Accelerade, which has a 4:1 carb/protien ratio. It is not as sweet as some other energy drinks, which I like since most of the other stuff that I tend to ingest over the course of an event is sweet (gels, bars). I find it useful both during and post effort. Similar to what 53-11 mentioned, about a half hour into recovery I really need some some good normal food.

bicycling magazine sited a study that said those who drink a 4:1 carb to protein mix instead of a pure carb mix(like gatorade) could sustain their 80% VO2 max for 40% longer than those drinking the pure carb stuff. the protein also helps build lean muscle mass if you take it during excersise and helps recovery if you drink it afterwards. i use cytomax and i like it a lot, but i've heard a few flavors are pretty crappy. check in the trianing and nutrition section, there have been several threads about it.

Cyto is not the best tasting stuff. I think Gatorade tastes better, but it is not as good. I use the following CytoMax Enhanced formula:

8 scoops powder (enough for 1 gallon mixed)
1 packet unsweetened Kool Aid
3-4 T table sugar
1 t salt (sodium)
1/4-1/2 t salt substitute (potassium)
2-4 T maltodextrin powder

Kool Aid flavors that make the base Cyto Grape more pallatable: Grape, Bery Blast (something like that), Fruit Punch (OK). About 0.33 a packet at the supermarket. If you don't add sugar (or some other sweetener) the tart Kool Aid will really curdle your tongue.

I use 3 Gatorade-size scoops per 24 oz bottle.
Best.

Smart Idea.....replacing sodium is essential to avoid dreaded hyponatremia (low serum sodium)

I've gotten to the point where I almost CAN'T ride without my Accelerade. It's the fruit punch flavour. It used to taste like rotten dog puke, but I guess I've gotten used to it. And knowing that it helps me on my ride just adds to my addiction, I guess. Highly recommended.

Cole

I used to use the old style pink cytomax. Everyone thought it tasted like crap, after a year on it, I would CRAVE the aftertaste

I bottle of Accelerade, 1 bottle of just water. 2 bottles of Accelerade makes me feel slightly ill. On long summer rides I take Endurolytes - never cramped after I started taking those.

OK, I'm just wondering how you know what rotten dog puke tastes like....or shouldn't I ask?

water with crystal light. energy comes frm food