A couple of dates are really close to the carb/sugar content of a single gel, so why not? They're really good after warming up in a jersey pocket for a while (seriously).

I've used them. Worked for me.

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Let food be thy medicine...

Aren't they a laxative?

On a training ride maybe but they are loaded with fiber.

I think so, but you're body should also be used to taking in a decent amount of fiber for obvious reasons.

I use the Vega gels and they are largely just pureed dates. Works well for me.

Dates are effective endurance race fuel bcause they have a super high GI rating (103 -higher than glucose itself) and are metabolised fast. However, they draw fluid into the bowel and are high in fibre so they can have a laxative effect - especially if your gut is not used to them. However, they're cheap, tasty and easy to eat so they are a pretty good choice for some folks. I eat them all the time.

Not in my experience.Great fuel -and tasty.

Where/how do you store the dates if you carry them on the bike?

In a small baggy in bento box (a handful).

if i was just going for a run, sure, i'd try it
don't think i'd do it for the bike leg of a tri, for reasons others have mentioned.

the big dilemma is that they taste better when you leave the pits in until you eat them but pitted ones would be way more convenient. but i guess even the pitted ones would taste better than most gels.

I love dates and figs on the bike. I have no gastro issues with them. OTOH I could eat pepperoni pizza on the bike and not have stomach problems.

-Robert

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"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank