I just started upping my bike training from Oly/sprint distance to HIM and am back on my maltodextrin-fueled long rides, which I’ve used in the past with success.
Looked for some alternatives as my 3.5 year old remaining stock was getting low (it’s still like new, stored in a paint container), but still found that sports drinks are still really, really expensive. While I can readily afford even the most expensive of them, it’s hard for me to justify spending $28 for 2.5 pounds of Perpetuem when I can get 50 pounds of maltodextrin (20x the amount) for $60 shipped.
Last time I bought malto, I gave away almost half of that 50 pound supply and still had enough for nearly 2 years (haven’t needed it as much in the last year due to less training.)
Used it on a 60 mile long ride today and it went great. This compares to a 40 mile long ride just 4 weeks ago where I didn’t bring any, and was really feeling the lack of calories (almost got the shakes) by the end.
I can’t, but I rarely see posts or even hear of people using it anymore, where as there are TONS of threads debating what mix of Infinit, Perpetuem, or countless other things like gels etc.
Even when I mention malto on those threads, it’s almost universally completely ignored - nobody even responds to it, and they just continue on with the discussion, even when people specifically ask “I need an INEXPENSIVE sports drink that works well.”
To ST’s credit, this is more of an issue on other forums like BT or roadbike forums - there are many more malto users who speak up here, but it’s still the small minority if even that.
I used it for my train-up to IMAZ a couple years ago, cheap and it works. I would usually add a little perform for flavor (also so I would be used to it on the course if something happened). Still have a bunch as I moved and there are not a lot of long course events in/around Memphis…
I use it for my training rides and races. I also mix with protein powder for a recovery drink. Straight water doesn’t seem to work for me (doesn’t sit well in my stomach while riding). I paid about $59 for 50 lbs over a year ago and I’m not quite halfway through it.
you have to count everyone using cargo-pro as those using bulk malto, its the same stuff. the biggest single ingredient in hammer is maltodextrin. you can buy a smaller 12lb bag on amazon called carbo-gain. it comes in a bag and is much more manageable than a 50lb bag. cost <$40 last time i bought it. I just mix in a little whey protein and a scoop of accelerade to flavor it
Keep in mind that not all maltodextrin is created equally and the term applies to a wide group of glucose polysaccharides with various molecular weights. Do your homework when picking one maltodextrin over another. You want a higher weight, assuming you want to maximize it’s effectiveness.
Keep in mind that not all maltodextrin is created equally and the term applies to a wide group of glucose polysaccharides with various molecular weights. Do your homework when picking one maltodextrin over another. You want a higher weight, assuming you want to maximize it’s effectiveness.
I hear you and was aware of this before buying, but I’ve found that the bulk 50 lbs sack online from Honeygrain works fine and is the cheapest. Really not an issue, in my opinion. I haven’t heard of anyone with a ‘dysfunctional’ maltodextrin, and I believe I’m buying the cheapest one out there for the weight short of getting literally industrial tonnage.
I used it for my train-up to IMAZ a couple years ago, cheap and it works. I would usually add a little perform for flavor (also so I would be used to it on the course if something happened). Still have a bunch as I moved and there are not a lot of long course events in/around Memphis…
What did you do on race day, BTW? Live off-course, or bring your own malto?
I just started using it today. If my math was right I used about 63 grams for 250 calories. I threw in a peach Fizz tablet for electrolytes and flavor. Though I would like to find a cheaper option for that.
Took it for a spin and I think it worked better than anything else I’ve tried. For some reason not as heavy as the Perpetuem.
Would love to hear some modifications others would suggest.