Cycling Review » food

Science in Sport Energy Drinks

tejvan — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:50:06 +0000

Recently, I have been using a lot of energy and recovery drinks. With a tough training schedule, and warm weather, I have been relying on energy drinks to remain fuelled during a ride. Energy drinks are easier to absorb rather than eating on the move. In the winter when intensity is lower, I tend not to use energy or recovery drinks, but, in summer with more intense training I have been using them more.

PSP 22 Energy Drinks

I have been using Science in Sport PSP22 energy drinks and are quite pleased with them. Taste is an individual preference. But, it is not too sickly sweet, lemon flavour was fine – though I am not a big fan of flavoured drinks. It feels light on the stomach, which is a must for any energy drink.

To be honest, it can be difficult to compare one energy drink to another. The main thing that springs to mind is the taste. But, once you have got used to a certain energy drink and are happy with its sugar balance, it is good to stick with that.

Having said that I still like to have a bit of variety. When your drinking several bottles you can soon get bored! e.g. I sometimes will have a recovery drink during a ride.

The one frustration with Science in Sports drinks is that it is difficult to get right measurement. They suggest you need a science in Sport bottle and use those guidelines. Fine if you have a science in Sport bottle! I prefer having a scoop where you can measure according to size of water bottle and change depending on temperature (e.g. when hot, have a higher % of water)

The 500g tub makes 5 litres or 10 * 500ml bottles.

Science in Sport Energy drinks at Wiggle

Hydration Tablets

tejvan — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:58:31 +0000

In warm weather it is important to drink sufficiently. A loss of water, can lead to a big loss in performance. One of the few times Lance Armstrong nearly lost the Tour de France was one stage where he didn’t drink enough. It’s easy to do because if you cycle intensly you may become dehydrated before you realise it.

As well as sweating water, we also sweat salts. To provide optimal hydration, it is important to take on salts (electrolytes) as well as water. These hydration tablets help replenish lost salts and also with a better salt balance it improves water uptake.

Nuun Active Hydration Tablets.

These are an easy to take tablet. Just drop in water bottle and leave for 2 minutes. They are not sugary, so are easier on the stomach and they are relatively cheap.

I also like the fact they are easy to transport, useful for when touring or travelling.

Nuun Active Hydration tablets at wiggle

Energy drinks at Wiggle
More help on cycling in the heat.

Best Cycling Energy Drinks

tejvan — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:29:21 +0000

Cycling energy drinks help to replace lost carbohydrate in easily digestible form. When racing, it can be difficult to eat sufficient food, therefore energy drinks can be vital for providing sufficient energy sources.

The best energy drinks are composed of simple carbohydrates (glucose polymer) and electrolytes to replace lost minerals during intensive exercise. It is important to get the intensity right. Some people can feel sickly if the drink is too concentrated, especially on hot days.

I am keen on the High5 Energy Source. I usually buy a 2.2Kg tub and it lasts me for 2 years. It doesn’t have electrolytes so is better for colder days, but, it has a good neutral flavour.

Energy Recovery Drinks at wiggle

Cycling Energy Gels

tejvan — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:53:24 +0000

Cycling energy gels are a very convenient way of gaining a boost of energy pre race, during the race or after the race. They are premixed for the best concentration of carbohydrates and electrolytes. There is some kind of psychological boost from taking an energy gel 30 minutes before the start of the race. During a race they provide an instant source of energy and are convenient to ingest.
They are quite expensive for what you get. You can have a similar effect with mixing your own energy drinks / electrolytes. Also, for less intensive riding / training you won’t need to take energy gels. I save them for races and / or intensive interval sessions.
Energy gels are light on the stomach and so good for digestion.

Energy Gels at Wiggle

Energy Gel Bars for Cycling

tejvan — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:19:15 +0000

When I do hard interval sessions or before a race, I like to use liquid energy gel bars. They can be a bit messy in your back pocket, but, they provide the necessary energy quickly and in an easily digestible form. On slower steady rides will tend to stick to cheaper muesli bars for energy

High 5 Energy Gel Bars

One of my favourite energy gel bars is high 5 Gel Bars. They are relatively cheap and have a good concentration of energy. 38grams pure carbohydrate. Not overly sweet.

They are also quite cheap. At Probike Kit you can buy them for £0.80 each, which is good value for energy foods.

High 5 Energy Gel Bars 4 different flavours.

Taste is a personal thing, but, I prefer the Citrus flavour

If you prefer you can choose the energy bars with caffeine.

High 5 Energy Gel Bars with caffeine.

I would not advise using caffeine during training.

More general energy food for cycling