Energy gels for cycling

[ManBearPig]

Ciao.
What energy gels do you consume during bike rides or running, or other endurance sports? Also comment if you have had bad experience with specific energy gels such as super bad taste or diarrhea

Brand, name of the gel & taste.

[Zviedrs]

SiS (Science in Sport), only positive feedback from my side. No stomach ache or other digestive issues. I've tried all sorts of tastes including lemon, apple, orange, blackcurrant. Double espresso gives that extra push before the finish or end of the ride.

[Nikko]

(03-25-2020, 01:32 PM)Zviedrs Wrote:  SiS (Science in Sport), only positive feedback from my side. No stomach ache or other digestive issues. I've tried all sorts of tastes including lemon, apple, orange, blackcurrant. Double espresso gives that extra push before the finish or end of the ride.

+1
Good morning!

[Aab]

I take POWERBAR Power Gel smoothies. They have nice flavours and taste. Mango and apple, banana, bluebery. But I dont do serious training bike rides. Just longer recreational rides in strong winds. After more than 50km having a power gel like this feels nice.

[SPINMAN]

https://mention-me.com/m/ol/xb3rz-robert-bonavolta

(03-25-2020, 07:04 AM)ManBearPig Wrote:  Ciao.
What energy gels do you consume during bike rides or running, or other endurance sports? Also comment if you have had bad experience with specific energy gels such as super bad taste or diarrhea

Brand, name of the gel & taste.

https://mention-me.com/m/ol/xb3rz-robert-bonavolta
SIS Science in Sport

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(03-25-2020, 01:32 PM)Zviedrs Wrote:  SiS (Science in Sport), only positive feedback from my side. No stomach ache or other digestive issues. I've tried all sorts of tastes including lemon, apple, orange, blackcurrant. Double espresso gives that extra push before the finish or end of the ride.

Yes, SIS. Maltodextrin
https://mention-me.com/m/ol/xb3rz-robert-bonavolta

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(06-12-2022, 10:55 AM)aliccon Wrote:  I had 2 cliff bars and 2 gels in 140km before my insides cracked it with 70km to go.

I've seen others go mental on the gels. I gues sit depends on how 'used' to it you are and luck of draw. Nowadays I mix up some savory and carby stuff to mix it up https://projectsports.nl/en/ . Stuff like salted nuts are amazing when all you've had is sugar. Then there is also bacon.

The maltodextrin in SIS seems easier on the stomach. Easily digestible and does not get stuck in your throat, like GU. Hate that.
https://mention-me.com/m/ol/xb3rz-robert-bonavolta

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

I think the energy gels are good. I used the Clif blocks usually. The margarita ones have extra sodium. The black cherry ones have caffeine. I often use the Gatorade ones and also Energy Stinger. I've never experienced anything adverse from any of them.

Stroopwaffles are great too. Clif bars are recommended.

And there's also performance syrup.

https://untapped.cc/shop/

[Lss555]

I’ve always used cliff bars or fruit if it’s a long ride, but I don’t know never been a big fan of gels and stuff as I always feel better if I eat a good meal/real food before and the energy seems to last longer

[Talha]

(03-25-2020, 07:04 AM)ManBearPig Wrote:  Ciao.
What energy gels do you consume during bike rides or running, or other endurance sports? Also comment if you have had bad experience with specific energy gels such as super bad taste or diarrhea

Brand, name of the gel & taste.

TORQ ENERGY GEL

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

If you drink sports drinks such as Gatorade, the carb support there can help immensely.

But any sugary soda will also do. Such as Tahitian Treat.

So long as you're active, you're using the carbs so the insulin spike doesn't matter.

I find that I have to use full electrolyte replenishment, such as Liquid IV or Hydramate to get the replenishment I need.

[SPINMAN]

(03-27-2020, 07:34 AM)Nikko Wrote:  

(03-25-2020, 01:32 PM)Zviedrs Wrote:  SiS (Science in Sport), only positive feedback from my side. No stomach ache or other digestive issues. I've tried all sorts of tastes including lemon, apple, orange, blackcurrant. Double espresso gives that extra push before the finish or end of the ride.

+1
Good morning!

Yes, I love the double espresso from SIS. Maltodextrin seems to work better than pure sugar. I keep trying GU, but it makes me choke and clogs my throat, especially while riding or running. Standing still is bad enough.

[GirishH]

In the past (some 10+ years) I used to use Cliff shots and GU. But for the past few years, I avoid all energy gels. Plain and simple water..:-) If I can get some natural sugar such as maple syrup, honey or panel (brown sugar), I consume those along with some nuts such as peanuts or other dry nuts..

[SPINMAN]

(01-24-2023, 04:04 AM)Talha Wrote:  

(03-25-2020, 07:04 AM)ManBearPig Wrote:  Ciao.
What energy gels do you consume during bike rides or running, or other endurance sports? Also comment if you have had bad experience with specific energy gels such as super bad taste or diarrhea

Brand, name of the gel & taste.

TORQ ENERGY GEL

Definitely SIS Science in sport works best for me. The maltodextrin in SIS seems easier on the stomach. Easily digestible and does not get stuck in your throat like gu. Been trying enervit. High carbs, but all sugar. Too sweet.

[CowoftheMountain]

Carbs Fuel, the Original gel. 50 grams of carbs and it's only $2.00. Unflavored, just sweet and thin consistency. Really nice.

[Anton Lee]

(03-25-2020, 07:04 AM)ManBearPig Wrote:  Ciao.
What energy gels do you consume during bike rides or running, or other endurance sports? Also comment if you have had bad experience with specific energy gels such as super bad taste or diarrhea

Brand, name of the gel & taste.

GU Energy Gel

Taste: Wide variety of flavors, but Salted Caramel and Chocolate Outrage are fan favorites. They tend to be sweet but with a good balance of salty and sweet in some flavors.

[GirishH]

I have tried GU when they were handed out during marathons and they always upset my stomach..

(12-20-2024, 06:53 AM)Anton Lee Wrote:  

(03-25-2020, 07:04 AM)ManBearPig Wrote:  Ciao.
What energy gels do you consume during bike rides or running, or other endurance sports? Also comment if you have had bad experience with specific energy gels such as super bad taste or diarrhea

Brand, name of the gel & taste.

GU Energy Gel

Taste: Wide variety of flavors, but Salted Caramel and Chocolate Outrage are fan favorites. They tend to be sweet but with a good balance of salty and sweet in some flavors.

[topCat]

(03-25-2020, 01:32 PM)Zviedrs Wrote:  SiS (Science in Sport), only positive feedback from my side. No stomach ache or other digestive issues. I've tried all sorts of tastes including lemon, apple, orange, blackcurrant. Double espresso gives that extra push before the finish or end of the ride.

I don't consume energy gels often, but I have heard good feedback about SIS gels too. They rarely upset your stomach. SIS offers a good variety of tastes too, and they have "cakes" and other forms of nutrition. Most recently, I had a lemon cake/bake: https://www.scienceinsport.com/sis-go-energy-bakes-lemon-12-pack

[meamoantonio]

I have a soft spot for Gu for some reason because it helped me conquer my first 19% climb as a beginner but I gravitated towards SiS for race events and Honey (for economical reasons we get it cheap here like a whole liter goes for $7) for training rides.

[GirishH]

Here in Northeast India, similar to the mountains of Ecuador, energy drinks and gels are not accessible.

As a readily available and affordable energy source, locals preferred peanut brittle made with unfermented sugar, costing about 50 cents for 250 grams. Peanut brittle serves as a quick snack providing instant energy, combining the health benefits of peanuts and jaggery.

And, these are all natural with no preservatives..

[SPINMAN]

(03-25-2020, 01:32 PM)Zviedrs Wrote:  SiS (Science in Sport), only positive feedback from my side. No stomach ache or other digestive issues. I've tried all sorts of tastes including lemon, apple, orange, blackcurrant. Double espresso gives that extra push before the finish or end of the ride.

👍 For SIS

[Jake1]

(02-25-2025, 11:16 PM)GirishH Wrote:  Here in Northeast India, similar to the mountains of Ecuador, energy drinks and gels are not accessible.

As a readily available and affordable energy source, locals preferred peanut brittle made with unfermented sugar, costing about 50 cents for 250 grams. Peanut brittle serves as a quick snack providing instant energy, combining the health benefits of peanuts and jaggery.

And, these are all natural with no preservatives..

Go figure; you can eat actual food and survive. If you need "energy" anything that is not essentially natural food then you are not eating properly in the first place or you need more exercise/training, or both.

Save your money; eat healthy less processed "food type" products.