I actually switched to these gels a few years ago b/c I read an article by a triathlete scientist sort of person who ran tests measuring the amount of water you need to drink along with the gel it takes for various gels to be easily digestible. Supposedly more water = a bit harder on the GI system. Hammer Gels were some of the best in terms of needing less water. There were a few that were better but they were much more expensive brands.
I cannot tell you I totally understood the tests or their accuracy ..... but Hammer Gels have always been easy on my stomach even in high-temps, long rides, and high heart rates. Gonna just stick with them.
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.
