Supplements, gels, drinks.......what do you use?

[Moishe]

So far this forum is hitting all the subjects near and dear to us bike dorks. The one area I'm surprised we haven't touched on is the supplement category. I've dabbled with as much as I could get my hands on and some impressed and others were kind of meh. Here are a couple of products I think the world of and would confidently suggest to any rider regardless of racer or recreational.

Sportslegs: If you are prone to cramping this stuff should help you out. I've been using it pre and post ride for almost a year now and have had zero issues with cramping even on the hottest days. Unlike other pill-form supplements this one actually digests easily helping avoid the vitabelch which never seems to leave your taste buds.

ELoad Heat Endurance: This powdered electrolyte drink mix is one of the better drinks I've come by. Not at all over the top in sweetness and considering it's lemon flavor does not feel very acidic. The guys at my LBS were so confident in this product that they actually comped me a cannister. Give a look, it's so much better than GU, Gatorade......

The one area I have yet to find a favorite is with gels. I will literally try anything distributed in the market. Anyone want to share some suggestions or likes and dislikes?

[Crimson Ace]

The one area I have yet to find a favorite is with gels. I will literally try anything distributed in the market. Anyone want to share some suggestions or likes and dislikes?
Like you, I'll use virtually anything on the market. Keep in mind, however, that I can not use anything with caffeine... so that limits my options. With the choices available to me, I tend to prefer Clif Shots.

[Moishe]

Like you, I'll use virtually anything on the market. Keep in mind, however, that I can not use anything with caffeine... so that limits my options. With the choices available to me, I tend to prefer Clif Shots.

:eek: I would die without it.:D I used Honey Stingers over the weekend and while they tasted great, I didn't feel the boost I was looking for. I just picked up a new GU called Roctaine and we'll see how that goes.

[Dead Fingers]

I think it depends on the day. I remember having a gel on a 90°F humid day and thought I was going to puke on the stuff. Now, I just will take a cliff bar and/or about 5 fig newtons. I usually have one or two and never eat them all. In terms of fluids, I just cut one of my water bottles with some gator aid.

I will check the ELoad Heat Endurance.

I would be inetersted in what people eat for recovery after a long ride.

[Twenty26Six]

I think it depends on the day. I remember having a gel on a 90°F humid day and thought I was going to puke on the stuff. Now, I just will take a cliff bar and/or about 5 fig newtons. I usually have one or two and never eat them all. In terms of fluids, I just cut one of my water bottles with some gator aid.

I will check the ELoad Heat Endurance.

I would be inetersted in what people eat for recovery after a long ride.

Fig Newtons? I never though of that. Soft, easy to chew and swallow, they're probably great for a little pick me up.

I'm going to try that next time.

[cleansheetbsc]

One hour ride: Water

Two hour ride : one water one watered down Gatorade

Two hour + or hard group ride: 4 Fig Newmans (much better than Newtons) and always carry 2 triple berry w/ caffeine Gu's. Used to do the cliff bars, but found the Fig bars digest a lot easier and don't carry the protein and digestive issues of a Clif Bar. Just keep the carbs coming.

On Sunday, I was low on supplies, due to little long rides following surgery earlier this year, so at a 2-hour break, I treated myself to a Vanilla Coke and a Snickers, not a bad fall back meal.

After a big effort, I gotta say, I rarely have any sort of an appetite for about 4 or 5 hours, even though I know I need to get some calories in me. Usually a water bottle with Gatorade and half a scoop of vanilla whey protein. The only food that I will consume is some deli turkey, plain chicken breast or a PB&J sandwhich on WW bread.


Moishe, what is this Sportslegs? I get some nasty calf cramps from time to time. I used to get them playing soccer and an MD friend recommended Alka-Seltzer Gold prior to playing and that seemed to work, for soccer. As for biking, I have had no such luck. Hard efforts will inevitably lead to some cramps about 25 miles into the ride.

[Moishe]

Moishe, what is this Sportslegs? I get some nasty calf cramps from time to time. I used to get them playing soccer and an MD friend recommended Alka-Seltzer Gold prior to playing and that seemed to work, for soccer. As for biking, I have had no such luck. Hard efforts will inevitably lead to some cramps about 25 miles into the ride.

www.sportlegs.com

It helps process lactic acid easier thus avoiding the pump and in turn cramps. You should take one for every 50 pounds of body weight before ride and it also recommends after the ride. I use it only on the front side plus one additional and I can safely gets the job done. I used to cramp on climbs even though I'm a fairly solid climber and since I started with sportslegs I've been able to push harder without feeling like I ripped my legs off.

[aveslacker]

I would be inetersted in what people eat for recovery after a long ride.
http://www.ibabuzz.com/beer/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/guinness-draft.jpg

[Moishe]

http://www.ibabuzz.com/beer/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/guinness-draft.jpg

That in itself is damn near a gel:D