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).
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.
