After using Clif Shot for 20+ years, I was forced to look elsewhere with the demise of that product. I had tried GU many years ago and was not crazy about it. But, decided to try again after reading other reviews. Chose vanilla for flavor and minimal caffeine, as too much can be a problem for my heart rate. I like the taste and the boost from the caffeine is effective without causing an issue. The consistency works for me as well. Not runny, but not chewy. Two gels on a 30 mile ride that takes an hour and fifteen minutes or so works out well. For me there's a seven to eight minute delay before I feel the boost. The Clif Shots seemed to work a little quicker, but this is not a deal breaker. My only issue with GU is no Litter Leash type packaging as Clif Shots had. If that was in place, then this would be a 5 star rating.
I only use these on long rides of 25 miles or more (which is increasingly rarer as I get older). They provide a quick energy replenishment for long, slow rides without the bulk. One energy gel every 45 minutes seems to be the optimal consumption cycle and with the variety pack, you don't get tired of the same flavor say during a century ride.
I like to squeeze out the remainder of the gel between my teeth and therein lies a lesson: fold it in half, otherwise as I painfully discovered when I cut each side of my lips with the edge of the packaging. A painful lesson that no one should every repeat.
My rides are short (8 to 20 miles) and the tap water is sufficient for my rides. Once the temps climb past 78 to 80' F, then that not enough electrolyte-wise. My rule of thumb for those two chews every 10 miles and that keeps my energy up for the whole ride. Last week, the chews helped me get out of a energy deficit and cramping when the temps rose to 85 'F (I'm old and can't handle the heat as much as 40 years ago). Four chews got me home without cramping/bonking on the ride, and I was thankful that I bought a box of the GU's when they were on sale.
Great carb mix with good sodium serving. Good taste and definitely a great carb-to-cost ratio.
If you struggle to eat on the bike, this makes it super easy to hit your carb goals provided you stay on top of your drinking too. A little bit difficult to mix at times. I mix half of what I need with half the water, shake it up, and then add the rest of the half of the mix followed by the rest of the water. Vigorous shaking and a little bit of time to let the mixture mix is required (maybe 10-15 mins before your ride starts).
