I used to use Power Gels during training and racing, but they are no longer available. One thing I liked about them was that their viscosity was very low, making them really easy to shoot into your mouth and swallow.
I’m looking for something else out there to replace them. I tried Cliff Shots and Honey Stinger and they are both way too thick. You almost have to chew them and then it’s harder to wash them down.
Anyone have any suggestions about other gels that might not be so thick?
I think gels are inherently thick. I use GU because it’s on course, but used SIS before that which are very thin. Only problem is that they’re huge
Have you tried SIS gels? A larger gel to carry but I like their consistency, never feel the need to wash it down with something afterwards.
I have the same challenge-- I cannot get super thick gels down during an event. My favorites are Accel Gel.
Thickness has never been a problem for me but I was a big fan of Power Gels and moved from them E-Gels by Crank Sports and I’ve been very happy . Worth a shot at least.
I had similar thoughts about the thickness and I actually went with a completely different product that ended up working well for me. Something about the Gatorade Endurance carb chews are actually extremely easy for me to palate despite being a gummy. Compared to Cliff shot blocks, honeystinger chews, and a few other gummies I’ve tried, they’re just super easy to chew and don’t get stuck in my throat. I go through 2 packages of them on the bike and then run out of transition with another in my hand and eat it over the first 3-4 miles usually. I know its not a gel so it seems like it wouldn’t go down as easy but give it a try. Definitely a bonus that they have more carbs (31g) than your average gel.
use a flask to hold 6 gels, usually 600 calories, and don’t mess with the packages and garbage. I fill them and have one or more depending on distance. It’s far easier to access them, especially when tired and you can add a little water to dilute the gel to your liking.
How do you execute the gel flask? I feel like the gel would get stuck in the valve
As others have mentioned, SIS are a thinner consistency.
Used these at IM Wales a few years ago - similar consistency to SIS and seem to work as just as well.
https://www.probikekit.com/sports-nutrition/high5-energy-gel-aqua-box-of-20/11733578.html
Torq are a tad thicker than SIS but much thinner than traditional gels. I can’t stand the consistency of the SIS ones - no idea why. SIS is like warm, liquidy jello.
Gatorade - I was a PowerGel fan and I use Gatorade gels now. You can buy them on Amazon.
I just told my buddy who owns a bunch of running stores the same thing. He gave me a variety of gels but none were close to PB ones. He told me to hold them in my hand for a bit before using and that helps thin them a touch.
I bought some SIS ones but it’s a lot of liquid. I joke that only a “pro” could take one down in one gulp…
Boom gels are a little thinner than others but not much.
One of the lowest viscosity and best tasting gels out there is available to us in Canada. It is called Rekarb and it is essentially good ole Canadian maple syrup with a bit of salt. They have been the on-course gel for the Dynamic Race Events series out here in Western Canada. Executive summary: SUPER THIN< TASTY< NO CRAP<PRICEY. More can be found here:
SIS… no need for a chaser
Maurten 100 gels have been my go-to. Gut can handle a lot of these and no water needed.
How do you execute the gel flask? I feel like the gel would get stuck in the valve
Have never had an issue in years of use. I’ve used most gels and not an single time have I had a problem and especially in hot weather as the gel thins out. I know GU has a collapsible one they sell, and I’ve found similar ones at REI or even TX Maxx, but I find the ones I used to get from Hammer ( https://www.hammernutrition.com/...ll-gear/hammer-flask ), or the ones from First Endurance are the best. I usually have a couple or more ready to go and have even velcroed one to my top tube. Easy to carry on either bike or run, and a sure way to get calories that work for you. A very slight amount of water in the flask and it can be as thin as you like it.
…moved from them E-Gels by Crank Sports and I’ve been very happy
I second e-gels. I’m not saying they’re not thick, but damn they are good!
Thanks for this post! It even looks like you can get gel in bulk from GU for them that might save some money too.
How do you mark how much you need to take in per 1 gel, so that your not taking in more/less than you need to at a time?
SiS is good. Though I find it a tad too bulky for biking. I like them for training runs because they are almost thirst quenching.
What I do is use First Endurance Gel in a flask and add water until it’s the consistency I want.
Born Gels are the best I’ve found for not needing to drink water (thinner than SIS). The gels are very liquid so you basically drink them. Flavors are great (cherry caffeine and apple are so tasty) only real complaint is they don’t do refillable gels, so you’d have to manually add them to a gel flask. For us road racers not a problem, but for Triathletes a flask would be nice.