I am currently using Lara Bar’s (coconut cream pie) and Amrita Bars (Pineapple) on the bike for fuel. It is working okay, they are the right size, package is easy to open on the go…but the Lara Bar I am using is pretty high in fat.
I was wonder what everyone else uses that might have a better mix of ingredients but also gets in 200+ calories per bar.
I also use CarbBoom gels, GU Jet Blackberry gels, and Roctaine powder in the bottle. Also, just plain water.
I use Lara Bars too, along with Cliff Shots and Power Bar Shots.
I’ve been using Tailwind lately for my nutrition. One scoop = 100 calories. So it’s easy to make up bottles accordingly.
For solid food when I just want something to feel more filling, I’ve always enjoyed regular fig bars. I like the Fig Newman brand. Easy to chew and swallow and feel fine in stomach.
I’ll usually stash a banana in my jersey pocket on longer training rides as well.
Did an experiment last season only using tailwind for nutrition. No bars and no gels. Haven’t gone back. 400 calories per hour in a concentrated bottle and supplement with plain water to thirst. Love it. What’s weird is I never feel hungry. Even on like 5 hour rides.
What kind of nutritional profile do you want for fuel on the bike? i.e. approximately what percentage of protein, fat, complex carbs, simple sugars, etc. (assuming 2-4 hour ride)
For racing, training or both?
I need to start carrying fig newtons in a sandwich bag. I had a friend that
ate these. Bananas are good too. I use crappy Clif bars which are loaded
with sugar and are highly processed. I have friends that pack individually wrapped Rice Krispie treats in the jersey pockets at about 100 calories a piece. They eat one every hour.
I’ve been using Tailwind lately for my nutrition. One scoop = 100 calories. So it’s easy to make up bottles accordingly.
For solid food when I just want something to feel more filling, I’ve always enjoyed regular fig bars. I like the Fig Newman brand. Easy to chew and swallow and feel fine in stomach.
I’ll usually stash a banana in my jersey pocket on longer training rides as well.
Training: I’ll use clif bars. Generally a half every 30 minutes. Supplemented with bananas.
Racing: scratch labs in my bottles w/ shot blocks. I’ve only ever raced up to 70.3, but there’s no way I’m putting down solid food on the bike. If I’m bonking hard, I’ll grab a banana or something on the run.
I guess I could probably do better than clif bars. I’ve used the honey stinger waffles, but they never really stuck with me.
For long rides I use homemade peanut butter and jelly uncrustables. I get them at 200 cal. And use tailwind for hydration.
I alternate fig newtons and half a choc/mint Zone Bar.
Picky bars and ucan bars for me!
Rice crispie square
.
Clif bars in the flavor of your liking.
I can only eat bars on my long rides. Skratch Raspberries and Lemons FTW!
Have you tried the Feed Zone rice cakes? They have both savory and sweet recipes and they are delicious! I bake them at the beginning of the week, cut into individual squares, wrap them in foil, and grab a couple before each ride. Super easy!
https://www.triathlete.com/2015/08/nutrition/feed-zone-portables-blueberry-chocolate-coconut-rice-cakes_76982
I find that I feel better if I have some fat and protein with my carbohydrates. Clif bar is my go to. They are $1 or less, eat one every hour. If I’m going to run after biking, I switch to Gatorade the last hour.
Picky bars for me too!
I currently like and use the skratch bars. My favourite is cherry and pistachio, followed by chocolate and almond. There are others and iirc they are all 200+. I don’t get on with the savoury one that I tried. I find the chews easier to eat at higher intensities but they are <200cal/bag.
Some of you are really pissing money away at close to $3 a bar for Picky and Skratch. That’s just too rich for my budget on a disposable commodity. I’d be inclined to start making my own first via the Feed Zone recipes.
My favorite packaged solid’s are honey stinger waffles…and have opened one corner pre race and then use on the bike leg…