Gels - when to use

[mikkelz]

 

Thus your body burns muscle glycogen at a higher rate and you will be left for dead at round about 2 hours.

 

That's why they recommend you take one every 45-60 mins.

 

[manbearpig]

Don't often use them but if I do have them on me i take one just about the time when i'm starting to wonder "why do i put myself through this  sh!t on purpose?" which is probably too late anyway..... 

[kosmonooit]

I normally sluk one 1/2 way and then 3/4's into a marathon ride plus a spare but I can only handle the espresso flavoured ones. Normally a Pro Nutro energy bar or two as well (dark choc)

 

I did feel nauseas a bit well into the 94.7 in the heat last year and think they might have  had something to do with that since I couldnt stomach anymore. I did see others throwing up  as well en-route, so what was that, the heat-GUI combo? 

kosmonooit2010-02-02 09:22:43

[bontie]

Those things take a hell of a lot of water to digest - take them (if you want , but drink PLENTY of H20. Failure to do so will almost certainly cause cramping...I have experience of this - and don't use them unless I absolutely have to.

[HappyMartin]

You need to train with these things. Necking a couple in a race in an arbitrary fashion is kind of pointless and I am not saying train with them on a daily basis but you should not be trying new sh!t in a race.

[SeaBee]

Gels did not... gel with me. Then I tried Hammer gels. No probs since. But that's what works for me.

 

Usage - only longer rides (90+). Then I take bars along as well, have a bar in first hour to 1:30, then a quick bit of gel - most likely two shots later.

 

[lou777]

Question then, what do you guys use? And at what intervals? Also what about before the race? 

[Racingsnail]

Gets very expensive taking them every 45mins as they recommend...R15 each, times three plus the entry plus the petrol...it all adds up. 

Peanut butter sarnies and an energy bar.

[Andrew T]

 

You need to train with these things. Necking a couple in a race in an arbitrary fashion is kind of pointless and I am not saying train with them on a daily basis but you should not be trying new sh!t in a race.

 

I agree with this but it can be done in a less important race. No need to do it in a non-race setting.

 

[Guest Agteros]

On the start line and every half hour after that I take a hit from the little plastic bottle I decant my gels into. Never had a problem bonking after 2 hours. You really should eat a solid meal at least 2 hours before the race starts.

I start 15 mins before the GO!, and then take a gel every 30 minutes (or there abouts) right thorugh to the end.

 

Your body will run out of glycogen after 1H40 to 2H00, so for shorter races there is really no point in taking them.

[Jaco-fiets]

I will take 1 gel 20km before the end off a race and keep one close just in case I need one more for the last 2km  

 

In my opinion the 1 you took 20km before end will kick in about 2km before end and taking a gel 2km to go is a total waste unless your aim is to use it for recovery because it will kick in as you lie down for your after race nap.

 

In general if a race is 2.5hrs or less you can race on a gel every 30-45min and plain water. If race is around 3 hrs you could opt for energy drink with a gel every 1hr and maybe small bite during ride. In my opinion cyclist over consume totally during races. But hey...... whatever floats ur boat to the finish line

[davetapson]

Gels - GAGHHGHGH!! Eat bananas. Natures energy gel. Cut them in thirds or halfs, eat one every half hour. Carry a spare gel for those times you think you are going to die and not even a gel can make you feel worse.

 

 

 

Personally, and this is only my opinion, I think gels spike your blood sugar level which then gets smashed by insulin rush which you cure with another gel, which causes another insulin rush etc etc leaving you fkkd after a while. But thats just my opinion. Granola bars and bananas. That's the way

[Weight Weenie]

I like a GU before the race and then If I really feel tired I'll take one again or maybe near the end of the race.  I bonked at the first Babbas (didn't eat my usual breakfast) and had 2 GU Roctane gels and a bar, worked wonders, even if it's only in my head...

[Drinks@Brawn]

Personally' date=' and this is only my opinion, I think gels spike your blood sugar level which then gets smashed by insulin rush which you cure with another gel, which causes another insulin rush etc etc leaving you fkkd after a while. But thats just my opinion. [/quote']

 

That is only true to certain products.

Bring your machine and plug me on, I will be your test subject.

 

I have tried all the products, there is only one answer.

 

So what flavour do you prefer???

[Justin]

Gels makes me cramp.?

 

 

 

Same here! About 5mins after taking a gel I cramp like crazy!

[MadScientist]

Don't use gels anymore as for me it's a waste of money, I prefer real foods as it's way easier to stomach and your body is use to them, i don't however eat bananas(never have) so i use appels & raisins.

 

As for bonking everyone should bonk once it's the only way to know exactly where you limits are. only time i bonked was when i just started cycling, still very noob I froze my entire drink supply the night before, had a small amount of oats the morning and went for a 35k ride, the things i learned that day will stay with me for ever