There aren't all that many supplements with protein and fat, and Perpetuem works for me better than any I've tried, at a better price than most. I start taking in Perpetuem, at least in part, after about 3 hours and use it for rides up to 10 hours, which is kind of the upper end of me trying to ride without consuming 'real food'. Four stars instead of five because I don't love the texture and because of occasional mild stomach issues, but the latter could be simple exertional issues whereas the former is (I think) a commonality of all powders with fat and/or protein, so maybe I'm being unfair. Also, I wish they had a couple more flavor options. Anyway, after all that, I recommend this product.
This doesn't give me the syrupy sugar goo mouth like other mixes can on long rides a few hours or more long. I like that it doesn't contain the typical sugars so it doesn't create insulin response issues or promote tooth rot. The flavor is just enough ( I like the orange ). On race day it's not my choice though, I switch to the sugar mixes for easier digestion / absorption and I have electrolytes in the mix. I'll do a couple long training rides with the sugary mixes before the race to make sure my stomach is ready for it.
Perpetuem is my go to liquid fuel for any activities that run from 2.5hrs to all day (anything shorter and I'll use Hammer's Heed product). It simply works and has a noticeable (positive) impact on performance & fatigue on long rides, hikes, paddles, etc. Flavors are just ok and the powder is a little sticky, but absolutely improved performance for extended activities.
I use this for fuel on longer rides (2.5 hours plus). I use to eat bars but the higher sugar level in the bars I was eating (about 22 grams) was causing me to have swings in energy to power the ride, especially when I would eat 2 bars on a longer ride. What I found happened when I stopped the bars and switched to Perpetuem is I no longer had swings and feeling like I lost my power output. Perpetuem helps me to continue strong power output in that third and fourth hour of riding when my original energy storage at the beginning of the ride is depleted. I assume because it is a liquid fuel it goes into the body faster than food too but I can't say if that is true but that what I perceive. I usually don't start drinking Perpetuem until I am in the beginning of that third hour but I assume this would be different for everyone depending on your conditioning.
I mix one scoop and put in a small glass of water to drink just before heading out on my road bike for a 2+ hour ride. I first make a paste with a very small amount of water, then add about four more ounces of water and stir. I don't like making a solution to use on rides because of the difficulty of cleaning the container. It just doesn't dissolve all the way and it leaves a residue. But the solution helps give me good energy for my rides. The 32 servings become 64 servings (or rides) for me.
I used 2 servings of this today and I literally couldn't bonk. I stopped taking water and salts to try to stop my workout but kept running for an hour and a half after. I did 58 miles on the bike and 16.2 miles on the treadmill, and this was 6 days off a marathon. Usually I feel defeated after a longer workout but I noticed a much better state of mind as well.
Flavor of Cafe Latte Perpetuem is a bit strong but I don't mind it. I usually mix it into a paste the consistency of gels and put it in a flask. I'll mix up the night prior to early morning ride and then put it in a lycra sleeve that I've made and put it in seat bag to keep it away from sun and body heat. I've had no problem finishing the last of it 6hrs later on a hot Maui day.
I used to religiously bring Powerbar type nutrition on long rides with all the good intention of eating them but I never follow through because they are so hard to choke down on long hard, hot rides (sorry sounding a bit x-rated here...). The great thing about liquid nutrition is that it's so much easier to consume than bars so I actually use it. I bring two 24 oz bottles on typical rides One bottle with 3 scoops of Perpetuem and the other with electrolyte. In addition I take a bar or two and I'm good to ride 60-70 mile rides with 7K to 8K of climbing. I'll use up all the Perpetuem before the ride is over then I switch over to plain water and bars. Your mileage may vary but using this product with bars, I've never bonked. So if you're bonking more than you'd like or curious about the product, I'd give it a try. Oh, I tried a few flavors and I like the Orange Vanilla best, I believe. Good Luck.
I first began using Hammer Perpetuem while training for a grueling five day ride in the Negev Desert. I knew that the ride itself would require supplemental calories and protein to preserve muscle strength over the long haul. I had previously relied on gels and energy drinks which were largely sugar and electrolyte based and knew that I needed more substance to deal with the desert heat and climbing. I like the added boost that Perpetuem provided particularly on back to back hard rides that I used it more and more as the training intensified. Now that I have completed the ride I see Perpetuem as a mainstay of my training nutrition regimen and a must for long multiday rides.
This is a great product and a definite go to on 2 hour or longer eventrace. I've tried Orange Vanilla and No Flavor. no flavor seems to sell out fast Hammer Fizz tabs are great with the No Flavor. You can change the flavor and strength to taste with 1 or 2 tabs. I like riding in Gran Fondos and like all Hammer products!
