Answers/

Beginner Cycling

Brian M.
Brian M. Sendmail

Energy Drinks/Bars

asked over 2 years ago | Report

2 1/2 hours into my 3 hour ride, I got very tired, very quickly. I drank Heed (an electrolyte drink) throughout the ride. I would like to start riding further but cant with my energy levels crashing. Does anyone have any recommendations for gels, drinks or energy bars that they use on their rides?

Answer

8 answers

scroll to bottom
  • Greg S.
    Greg S. Sendmail

    I've used PowerBars in the past and they work well. However, it sounds to me like you're not doing your pre-ride nutrition correctly. I find I have to make sure I've had adequate nutrition before I can ride any distance. I find some ice cream the night before gives a good carbohydrate boost but I still have to eat before I ride.

    During the ride dried fruit is good. I've taken it on all my Century rides and its never failed me. Something to remember, when you're riding you are using a huge number of calories. Eating a PowerBar is good for only a short period of time. The amount of time is relative to your weight or size. Larger cyclists burns more calories per mile, pretty simple.

    So, as always, I recommend you carry nutrition with you. Remember, once you've bonked, you've bonked. And be sure to "eat for the upcoming ride." In cycling, there is no substitute for good nutrition.

    answered over 2 years ago |Report

    • 3
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Peter S.
    Peter S. Sendmail

    I never used to drink any energy drinks. Ever.

    I've been experimenting with using them during any rides that are over 2 hours long. It has made a huge difference. Which surprised me, although it shouldn't have.

    I've substituted all water on long rides for energy drinks. The ones I have are about 28 calories/100ml, and have what I guess would be the usual mix of all those other goodies in there.

    The drinks go a long way to providing your body with the electrolytes that your body needs, but don't provide enough calories, especially at the levels of the drinks I have.

    So food helps.

    Before the ride (which is usually very early morning for long rides, around 2:00AM) my stomach is quite empty, so I'll start with a sandwich, whatever is available at the convenience store basically. That's around 300 calories. I'll also buy another sandwich and a Snickers.

    I'll eat the next sandwich after 2 hours and the chocolate after 4 hours or so.

    That combination has worked so far. The only comparison I can make is that I feel a lot better than the last time I did really long rides, which was over 7 years ago (I've started again recently).

    answered over 2 years ago |Report

    • 2
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Kris R.PRO
    Kris R. Sendmail

    I have a recommendation before you start your ride to hydrate well and eat well. It makes a huge difference. During the ride, especially long rides, variation and different kinds of foods work well. Everyone has something different they like. Personally, I do 1 Nuun waterbottle for every 2 bottles of water, and I eat lots of sandwiches. Other people take gatorade and Gu shots. I can't stand the stuff.
    On my rides to and from work, I find myself "crashing" at the 1 hr 30, 1 hr 40 mark. I usually have some kind of candy bar in my bag just in case.
    I pretty much don't drink energy drinks (Nuun is not an energy drink), but I do preload by eating lots of high energy food beforehand.

    You should also totally check out this: http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-long-distance-cyclists-really-eat.html

    answered about 2 years ago |edited about 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Ed T.
    Ed T. Sendmail

    Try Perpetuem also by Hammer Nutrition.

    answered about 2 years ago |Report

    • 1
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • John F.
    John F. Sendmail

    Have you seen a doctor?

    answered about 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Mark L.
    Mark L. Sendmail

    I use Reflex "the edge" and (Torq Gels only for racing) never had a problem, also I take a banana, fig rolls and some malt loaf if I am doing over 50, if less than 50 I take a 750ml bottle of reflex and thats it, although when it gets hot I may increase that.

    answered about 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Marcus G.
    Marcus G. Sendmail

    Like Ed, I use Perpeteum on everything beyond 2 hours. It's expensive, but worth it, in my opinion.

    answered about 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Kevin G.
    Kevin G. Sendmail

    I used to use Perpetuem, It was like a meal in a bottle—great for energy, but the recommended mix was based on adding a scoop for like every hour of riding. For a 5-hour ride, it got pretty thick and turned my saliva into Elmer’s glue, and I would be choking on my saliva for a while after every sip. Also, I don’t think it had any electrolytes, so I was taking Endurolyte pills, and an additional bottle of water for hydration because the milk shake consistency wasn’t much good for thirst. It felt like things were getting to complicated.
    This year, I’ve been using Accelerade. It doesn’t taste as good, but it supplies the carbs, protein and electrolytes without being so thick that it doesn’t quench thirst or thickens the saliva. I find that I still need some gels and/or a cliff bar or something, which I didn’t need with the Perpetuem.
    I posted a long rant on the subject last week http://www.dailymile.com/forums/nutrition/topics/4778-claims-made-by-supplement-companies-science-or-propaganda
    By the way, the home made stuff worked OK, but I like the Accelerade better

    answered almost 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down

Similar Questions in Cycling - Beginner Cycling