...you're not trying to savor the taste of a gel whilst you pump carbs and caffeine into your system on a ride. It's not the tastiest, but, it's effective. The caffeine hits your system quickly enough without giving one the shakes (at least not me), and, within a few minutes the fatigue starts to fade and you're turning the pedals with a bit more enthusiasm (if not less pain and maybe a bit more wattage). Maybe a banana is healthier. But, these things won't bruise and you can stuff a lot more of them into your pockets for those really long rides.
always down a gel after every hour on the saddle, and it seems to get the job done.
the sweetness and kick of caffeine helps a lot.
it's a little on the thick side, so it would be helpful to drink some liquids along with its consumption.
The litter leash is a plus, you can grab it from your pocket, tear it with your mouth and down it all by using one hand.
Travels well in cold and hot temperatures. Absorbs quick for fast fuel when getting low. Used in combination with Clif Shot Bloks which keeps my legs from fading as much on the longer more demanding rides..
i have purchased multiple boxes of these over the past 2 years. love 'em. maybe a little pricey, but treat my stomach well, and power me through long fast rides. i also like the tear off tab which has a special piece which is easy to open but also holds the ripped part onto the whole gel packet, so that it doesn't come free and possible be littered. other brands rip right off and are hard to manage mid-race without dropping the torn off tip and littering the ground.
Out of the packet, the gel tastes great and performs as intended. However, if it is placed in a multi-ounce flask for long ride refueling, the taste becomes more like beets! Oxidation? Or is beet juice used for coloring. Clif makes great gels and I use many flavors, just a heads up on this one.
Southern Florida has two significant attractions. That is, bicycling and bicycling all year. It never stops, no matter what. So when the heat index is 105 and you are in a pace line that is cranking, pull a Gel from your short's leg and keep pedaling. It doesn't get any better folks!!!
I have tried many different gels over the years and Cliffs are the ones I prefer. Fast acting for a boost of energy and good consistency. Some gels are too liquid especially in hot temperatures and some are hard to get when cold. Cliffs offer the right mix.
I use this on longer rides to give me a boost of caffine and I like the chocolate with cherry flavor. It is a bit on the sweet side though, just saying.
Easy to use one-handed due to the leash that holds onto the top you can tear off with your teeth. Only downside is a sticky mess if things get out of control so usually wait until I'm stopped. Having options with and without caffeine is helpful.
