I've been using GU Gels for about two years after the demise of Clif Shots. I have to limit caffiene intake, so these are a great option. The flavor is very good and the consistency is the right balance between thick and thin. I use one about every 45min to 60min during most rides. The energy boost typically kicks in 7 to 8 minutes after ingest, and lasts 25 to 30 minutes. No sugar bonk or crash following. Only complaint is no litter leash like Clif's packaging. If GU would/could buy that patent, I would be a 105% satisfied GU customer.
This is my go-to if I'm trying to rip through the city for like 45 minutes or so and not carry any fuel on me. The amino acid blend with taurine makes the difference for shorter efforts, I've found. I stopped using it for awhile in favor of other products but this combination of ingredients just makes sense for me. For higher carbs, the drink mix is the way to go.
Great bottles, love the higher capacity. They definitely have a faster / higher volume flow per squeeze which makes it much easier to grab a quick drink. I like the clear bottles so I can easily see how much I have in there. The caps can be a tiny bit leaky. A few drops here and there are irrelevant outside, but can add up during longer indoor rides. I'll certainly take light-weight over unnecessary extra weight, but the weight of the bottle is a pretty minor factor when you consider you'll have almost a whole kg of fluid in one.
