Dickie Posted September 22, 2008 Share Had a tough ride this weekend and used energy bars (PMV) because thats what I normally have. The reasons being the price and the taste. But the body felt like I had ridden across Africa and not only 40 odd kms! Looking at the amount of gu and other sachets lying around the trails during races they seem to be the carbo snack of choice, is it because they are the best thing or because thats what everyone takes so they must work? Please can I have some input from the Hubbers on this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtbreath Posted September 22, 2008 Share They do give a boost but I also like to have something to eat. After 4 hours you can get quite hungry and so I have a bar then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
intern Posted September 22, 2008 Share Gu is just convenient, not really worth the bucks. A banana's just as good I reckon...although crashing can be hell on your banana!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fire Posted September 22, 2008 Share Intern... How can you say a banana is as good as a gu? Is a banana filled with carbs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dickie Posted September 22, 2008 Share Thanks, does gu really give a boost? Does it help with cramps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delgado Posted September 22, 2008 Share Intern... How can you say a banana is as good as a gu? Is a banana filled with carbs? Just that the response time of a banana is a lot slower than that of a goo..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtbreath Posted September 22, 2008 Share Dickie, my understanding of the right way to take energy supplements is not to expect a peak but rather eliminate any troughs in energy. If you are taking something because you need a boost it is too late. Maybe that is different if you are sprinting 100m or something like that.Have you ever tried baby potatoes? They are low GI which doesnt spike your sugar levels and are easy to swallow. I find all the sweet/sour tastes of the energy stuff very unpalatable further down the line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinnekop Posted September 22, 2008 Share Gu / Gel gives me cramps.....Never going to use it again!!Tried and tested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Andreou Posted September 22, 2008 Share Gels are fine, but solid food is essential for me on rides over 3 hours, intensity also plays a role : harder ride ; shorter interval for needing solid food Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranky Posted September 22, 2008 Share Hi Dickie. Energy bars usually provide slower energy release than gels, and more carbohydrate (about 50g, vs 25g in most gels). You'll need about 50-60g carbohydrate per hour, so one energy bar per hour is fine. Gels are useful for providing a quick burst of energy (simple sugars, rapidly absorbed) for about half an hour, particularly late in the race, when the gut is less able to digest complex carbohydrates. But you need to take a gel with about 200ml of water to avoid gastric upset. Gels also often contain caffeine, which has useful benefits in increasing alertness and possibly also improving glycogen saving. Cranky2008-09-22 11:23:37 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIRR Posted September 22, 2008 Share Energy gels are for races where you dont have the time to unwrap and eat an energy bar. Gels also provide energy faster to prevent you running out of fuel. Jelly babies by the way are also nice to eat when riding and are full of carbs.So gels=racesenergy bars=training Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted September 22, 2008 Share I prefer gels in MTB XC races as they are quick to pop in. There isn't much time for chewing on a bar while keeping the bike under control! In longer races I alternate between gels and energy bars/bananas/jungle biscuits/fruit cake/water melon etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crudmonkey Posted September 22, 2008 Share Water, water, water and then a bit of froot cake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted September 22, 2008 Share Water' date=' water, water and then a bit of froot cake.[/quote'] Probably works for 'froot' cakes on all mountain bikes .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crudmonkey Posted September 22, 2008 Share Ask my partner from my first Sabie-X what a feast we had on the bike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_BBi Posted September 22, 2008 Share Seriously, a Marmite Sandwich is the best. It cost almost nothing, easily wrapped in cling foil, and tast great after 40 km's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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