Cycling UK Forum

Do they work? are they any good?

I use the lucozade energy gel on long rides when i am racing or touring.
Do not swallow them straight away let them mix with your spit and you can actually feel the energy flowing threw your body.

Works for me

I can recommend Go Gel by SIS, very good and do work. The web-site is very good for information on these products because of the range. SIS

thanks guys, I did use the High5 energy drink, but probably drank too much as i stopped loosing the weight, until I stopped using the drink, I used it all the time even on short training runs!. I mainly use the hydration tablets now (Nuun and Zym) and bananas, but its just not quite enough for the longer rides. The High5 was gentle on the stomach and after surfing [the t'internet] realise they do gels as well, only £11.25 for 20 from PBK. Think I will try some.

Somebody gave me a box of them once and I tried them whilst out running on the longer runs and they seemed to make bog all difference.

When I thought about it the calorie content was enough to power me for 1 mile, so I'd need to take pretty much a whole box out with me!

They contain other odds and sods which may aid hydration - but I take a small amount of water with a little salt and sugar in it and that seems to work just as well.

Exercise is as much a mental process as a physical one though, so I'd say if it works for you don't knock it.

A complete and utter waste of money. Tank up before you go and take some cake, fruit, sweets, sandwiches etc if you are riding all day.

One June I spent some time in the Pyrenees. After climbing some spectacular cols there was always a pile of discarded gel tubes scattered around at the top and I've had a dislike of them ever since.
I prefer real food such as Lawrie 9 recommends washed down with quantities of black sweet coffee. The cafe at the top of Peyresourde used to do great coffee and pancakes.
Eat well and have fun.

they work if you use them correctly. i.e. road race training and actual races.....

As Mick says , they do work and as they take up far less space in your pockets than 'real food' I always have some with me on long rides and when racing.

ianr1950 wrote:As Mick says , they do work and as they take up far less space in your pockets than 'real food' I always have some with me on long rides and when racing.

They contain 100 calories, depending on the calculator I use that suggests they provide energy for between 4 and 6 minutes...

There's only one possible use - to temporarily combat a blood sugar drop. But isn't that why jelly babies (jelly beans if you're vegetarian) were invented.

kwackers wrote:

ianr1950 wrote:As Mick says , they do work and as they take up far less space in your pockets than 'real food' I always have some with me on long rides and when racing.

They contain 100 calories, depending on the calculator I use that suggests they provide energy for between 4 and 6 minutes...

There's only one possible use - to temporarily combat a blood sugar drop. But isn't that why jelly babies (jelly beans if you're vegetarian) were invented.

Obviously we agree to disagree on their use.

I was dying towards the end of a 150k ride and had one of these off my dad and it gave me a good boost, though later I had to stop and buy a big bag of jelly babies. They are good, but I'd rather just buy sweets....

I've never tried the Gels, but I often take a Tracker or a Penguin, or even a Mars. They all work too.

Mick F wrote:I've never tried the Gels, but I often take a Tracker or a Penguin, or even a Mars. They all work too.

Where does the penguin sit?

Why don't elephants like penguins?