GU Gel

[Ski Monkey]

I've been using it lately on my longer rides and I like the energy boost however I don't like the price. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for cheap places to buy in bulk or similar home recipes. I think altagirl was telling me once about her honey recipe.

[Artie Fufkin]

Nashbar has 24 packets for $19.99, try Performance as well. I switched over to HammerGel. It's sold in a 20oz bottle, you can find it for $15-20 at shops. It is also sold with a 6oz flask, the flask is alot easier to use when riding than trying to open each individual package, plus you can dilute the gel.

[Spats]

News flash:

"Brown rice syrup" is just sugar.

Pixy Stix are way more tasty, come in more flavors, and you can recycle the packaging. Or pick your own favorite all-sugar candy. There's nothing like Shock Tarts on a dry mouth.

If you're a hippie you can bring a small honey bear.

[homerjay]

I second Hammer Gel

[tuffy109]

i like chocolate gu

[dipstik]

Do a search in this forum...... I think Altagirl or someone posted their recipe for making their own Gu. All I know is that it involved molasses (sp?)

[Viva]

Originally posted by tuffy109
i like chocolate gu

Bill Vaughn developed chocolate GU for his daughter, Laura, who competed in 100 mile races (Laura's also a hottie, but I digress). Bill's a biochemist by training and felt that there was a better way to fuel an athlete during an ultradistance event rather than de-fized coke, bananas, gatorade, pretzles, etc.

After several tries, he came up with the formulation that became marketed as GU. That was back in 95 or so. One thing that set GU apart from the other copycat energy gel makers was the quality of ingredients. Bill used imported Belgian chocolate for the chocolate GU, some Euro orange liquor base for the orange GU, and some fancy vanilla flavor (I forgot what) for the vanilla GU. I don't know whether or not this is still the case as prices should fluctuate with the strength of the dollar.

[Ski Monkey]

Pixy sticks are cool and all, but I still prefer snorting them after rides. Haven't figured out how to do a line while in the saddle yet.

Originally posted by dipstik
Do a search in this forum...... I think Altagirl or someone posted their recipe for making their own Gu. All I know is that it involved molasses (sp?)

Ah yes, I missed it:

Originally posted by altagirl
I carry a gel flask with homemade gel in it (clif shots were getting expensive). 3 parts honey, one part molasses and salt.

Thanks guys.

[tuffy109]

Originally posted by Viva
Bill Vaughn developed chocolate GU for his daughter, Laura, who competed in 100 mile races (Laura's also a hottie, but I digress). Bill's a biochemist by training and felt that there was a better way to fuel an athlete during an ultradistance event rather than de-fized coke, bananas, gatorade, pretzles, etc.

After several tries, he came up with the formulation that became marketed as GU. That was back in 95 or so. One thing that set GU apart from the other copycat energy gel makers was the quality of ingredients. Bill used imported Belgian chocolate for the chocolate GU, some Euro orange liquor base for the orange GU, and some fancy vanilla flavor (I forgot what) for the vanilla GU. I don't know whether or not this is still the case as prices should fluctuate with the strength of the dollar.

now i like it even more.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Honey Stingers!

[onehotchili]

another vote for Hammer Gel. the stuff isn't as thick as Gu and for me, easier to digest.

the wife also likes it for her triathlons....

[Arty50]

I only have one recommendation. Don't keep GU packets in your pocket while mountain biking; or more specifically, don't fall on said pocket while mountain biking.

[Artie Fufkin]

Originally posted by Tyrone Shoelaces
Honey Stingers!

Honey Stingers kick ass as well, the Gold, Ginseng and the Chocolate. The bars are great as well. Much easier to put down than a Power Bar or Clif Bar. Though the Mojo Bars from Clif work well.

[p-tex]

Hammer Gel
Fig Newtons
Beef Jerky

- all found in my pack on long rides

[funkendrenchman]

Originally posted by Artie Fufkin
Nashbar has 24 packets for $19.99, try Performance as well. I switched over to HammerGel. It's sold in a 20oz bottle, you can find it for $15-20 at shops. It is also sold with a 6oz flask, the flask is alot easier to use when riding than trying to open each individual package, plus you can dilute the gel.

Tape the packets to your frame, so all you have to do is pull at them and they automatically open.

[dipstik]

Originally posted by altagirl
I carry a gel flask with homemade gel in it (clif shots were getting expensive). 3 parts honey, one part molasses and salt.

Yeah so I tried that tonight...mmm not so good. Molasses has such an overpowering taste. Theres gotta be another recipe....


edit: if you decide to try it, use blackstrap molasses, the taste isn't as strong.