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've now got a few flavors of gels. Sometimes bars are too much, but I still want something, then one of these gels is just fine. I have some with caffeine and some without. Good to have the choice. I like the flavors I have purchased.
As a cyclist (77 to be 78 in 40 days) who bike tours all over the world unsupported and does 3-4 gravel bike events a year, I have been using GU energy gels for many years, going back to my ultrarunning days. I always found the product to give me the boost I needed when I could feel oncoming tired legs or a feeling of low energy. Found the Expresso Love flavor several years ago and it's become my favorite for the extra caffeine. I'm leaving next week for Unbound Gravel on the 30th of May as my youngest son and I are riding it this year. I'll be taking a package of 24 GU Expresso Love energy gels for the race.
I follow GU's suggested uses. 1 Gel before ridiing & one at my mid-way turn around place. Between the Gels & an energy bar with a cheese stick. I've never bonked on any ride. Longer or as scheduled. Fast & easy to absorb & tastes great when room temp or out of the back of my jersey pouch. Starting my outdoor riding season. I always have two boxes of mandarin orange,Gels. That way I'm covered for the season & stationary bicycling days during bad weather.
GU brand gels are easier to open and eat while riding than other brands, making them good for races. I prefer the coffee/chocolate flavors to the fruity flavors. For fruity flavors I prefer Stinger brand.
Now that Cadbury bought Cliff, they've discontinued the Cliff Shot Gels, which is a total bummer as they were the best tasting and reasonably priced.
I don't understand GUs flavors. Who wants Cola or chocolate getting all over on hot day? The Tri-berry is tolerable taste wise.
Opening the packet is a chore, especially when you're riding. The little tab is hard to open and what do you with it after you tear it off? The Cliff top was attached. GU really needs to rethink their product.
Gu energy gels are very effective, good tasting and convenient to store in standard cycling jerseys, where they can be easily used while taking a break. I would suggest flavors with higher caffeine content for those that need the extra zip.
Provides a quick energy source
Take this with me on bike rides and while playing pickleball or hiking.
I've used Gu gels for 14 years on rides of 20 to 400 miles with great success. I've found them to be easy on the stomach, tasty, and easy to stow away in a pocket or saddle bag. The gels with caffeine are helpful when those last miles of a century ask for a bit of a kick in those pedals!
I like to get a verity of brands and flavors for my gels to keep things interesting. My latest purchase was the GU mint chocolate. This flavor has a thinner texture than the other GU's. It was great! For very long rides it gets hard to put down some of the thicker GU's, but I can always put down mint chocolate. I like the easy removal tab on GU gels, though it can be tedious to properly dispose of it. The Clif gels have the leash for the tab, though it usually creates another opening.
never used gels in 50 years of riding, wow they are very efficient and maintaining energy levels and Gu was no different than the others i have tried recently. I do however prefer the flavor of the Hammer Gel espresso but thats me.
I was looking for a energy gels that gives me amino acids, sodium, and caffeine in a little pack whenever I go for biking or running. Gu Energy Gels have what I need. Highly recommended!!
It's Gu - convenient, tastes good & effective.
I prefer to mix the flavors and carry it in a flask. Hard to beat.
These gels provide the carbs and the sodium I need on my longer rides taking one about every 45 minutes.
Gels are very useful during bicycle rides. They are a good source of protein. They get what you need into your system quickly.
I like gels because they are easy and quick !
GU Energy Gels are a great energy supplement. I do as they suggest 1, 5 min. before the ride and another at 45 min into the ride or 1 hr. Been using them for 20 yrs & have yet to bonk if I stay properly hydrated. Any flavor you like will work equally.
GU Energy Gels are my "go to" energy boost...and have been for the past 27 years.
They give me boost with in 5 minutes which will last for 30 minutes (20 years ago the boost lasted 45 minutes but not now, age does change things) and then it's time to hit the GU again.
Water and GU Energy Gels are my necessity for rides.
Taste is subjective, but out of Clif, Honey Stinger, Hammer and GU, this is probably my favorite coffee flavored gel. Leaves no crazy after taste and gives you quick energy without a crash.
