When i try to mix my GU gels with water in my bottle, the GU simply goes to the bottom of the bottle and only a tiny bit is mixed with the water (leaving a horrible taste). What do you guys do?
Mine mixes pretty well without settling (I use the Powerbar gel as it’s already a bit more thin than the Gu stuff). I put in some water, add the gels and shake hard, then add the remaining water and shake again. But the best method for me is a softflask bottle. It’s more concentrated though because I only mix a little water in it. Comes out easily and I carry like 5 gels in it. It fits well in a back pouch.
Again, the Powerbar gels seem better for my needs as they are already less glue-ish to start.
I put all my gels into a measuring cup and use a hand blender to fully incorporate them. I also start with hot water to help them dissolve better. When done I put them in Go Gear Travel Bottles (2oz) and use those on the fly while racing. I believe they make larger versions but 2oz has worked perfectly for my uses.
Mine mixes pretty well without settling (I use the Powerbar gel as it’s already a bit more thin than the Gu stuff). I put in some water, add the gels and shake hard, then add the remaining water and shake again. But the best method for me is a softflask bottle. It’s more concentrated though because I only mix a little water in it. Comes out easily and I carry like 5 gels in it. It fits well in a back pouch.
Again, the Powerbar gels seem better for my needs as they are already less glue-ish to start.
+1
I don’t do this anymore. Hammer gels seemed to mix well, I would mix it the night before and shake it again before putting the bottle on the bike.
GU gels require lots and lots and lots and lots of shaking. They are very thick.
As others have mentioned in this thread Powerbar gels are rather thin and mix very well. EFS also mixes well.
Never thought to do this (until now), but curious about it - what’s a typical liquid to gel ratio?
EFS does mix well, however in my experiences with it you will never get about 10% of it out of the original EFS bottle. That stuff turns into concrete and becomes a real battle getting it out for the last 30% of the bottle.
Have you tried First Endurance Liquid Shot? It mixes really well. Vanilla or Mocha is the way to go.
Just curious, but what’s the advantage to dissolving gels as opposed to mixing powder at varying concentrations to achieve the same calorie density? Is the type of carb that much different to matter?
I’ve asked the same question previously specific to EFS regarding making a concentrated bottle of EFS Liquid Shot vs. EFS powders (believe its now called Pro, but I had their predecessor). Was hoping Rapp would chime in, but I didn’t get much response.
Just curious, but what’s the advantage to dissolving gels as opposed to mixing powder at varying concentrations to achieve the same calorie density? Is the type of carb that much different to matter?
Yeah, I’m wondering that too, which is maybe why I’ve never thought to do this. What’s the difference between dissolving gels, and just using a product like HEED or Perpeteum that is meant to be dissolved?
For me:
HEED and Perpeteum are disgusting.
I carry 12 gels with me in a bottle, mixed with a little water, during an IM. I do not know of any other possibility to carry all my energy for the bike leg with me.
I am using powerbar gels and shake the bottle quite hard and again before every drink, works very well.
True story. Infinit is an awesome product that I chose to replace Heed and Perpetuem. You can mix it high concentrated, or for a single hour bottle. It doesn’t spoil in the heat either like Perpetuem does.
I mix with really hot water and shake it well. Gu mixes well without having to shake it like crazy. Let it sit overnight and good to go in the morning.
I use this for every long race and works for me.
For me:
HEED and Perpeteum are disgusting.
That’s just a personal issue, not a real reason.
… I also agree they don’t taste very good.
Just curious, but what’s the advantage to dissolving gels as opposed to mixing powder at varying concentrations to achieve the same calorie density? Is the type of carb that much different to matter?
It’s typically not a difference in carb type. The big difference is that gels often have a different electrolyte concentration per calorie.
That’s the big difference with EFS or EFS Pro vs EFS Liquid Shot. 400cal of EFS or EFS Pro has substantially more electrolytes than an EFS Liquid Shot flask. That may be a positive or a negative depending on what you want.
The general key when doing this is that you want to use HOT water. Use hot water to dissolve, then stick it in the fridge to cool it down.
I’ve asked the same question previously specific to EFS regarding making a concentrated bottle of EFS Liquid Shot vs. EFS powders (believe its now called Pro, but I had their predecessor). Was hoping Rapp would chime in, but I didn’t get much response.
Answered above. The carb in EFS Pro is difference than EFS/EFS Liquid shot. But the big difference between the drink mix and the liquid shots is that electrolyte density.
When i try to mix my GU gels with water in my bottle, the GU simply goes to the bottom of the bottle and only a tiny bit is mixed with the water (leaving a horrible taste). What do you guys do?
As somebody with a hookup for GU products…I switched to Infinit Napalm. It can mix as high or low concentration as you want with absolutely nothing settling to the bottom. The pricing ended up being pretty dang good too. For one race I had 400 calories in a 5oz Hammer Flask and it came out with the consistency of a light sports drink. While everybody’s stomach is different, it’s been the best solution for my stomach during runs where fuel is needed.
I don’t have a favorite between orange and grape. The taste is light enough not to matter. The caffeinated version has a lot of caffeine. Enough that I went half and half with the non-caffeinated version.
Here’s a link to Infinit Napalm if you’re interested.