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Gel flask?
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 2014-04-04 12:12 PM |
Veteran  434   Apex, NC |  Subject: Gel flask?I am experimenting with a gel flask instead of gel packets. First time out I didn't dilute it at all and couldn't get anything out (stupid, I know, but I just didn't think about it). Second time out I diluted it to about a 3:1 ratio with water and still could barely squeeze anything out. I am using Hammer gel. It was in the low 40s both times. Do you dilute even further? Or is it the temperature that I've been dealing with? |
| 2014-04-04 12:18 PM in reply to: smoom |
Expert 2192 Greenville, SC | Subject: RE: Gel flask? i've started using a gel flask and i don't dilute at all and while the last shot might be a little hard to get out i don't have any trouble. the temp is probably your issue since it was fairly cold when you tried it. i keep mine close to my body while cycling and its been upper 60s to upper 70s here while i've been using it. |
| 2014-04-04 12:20 PM in reply to: smoom |
Pro 6520   Bellingham, WA | Subject: RE: Gel flask? I have used gel flasks for all my HIM and IM's plus long training sessions. I dilute 4:1 and I've never had a problem even at cooler temps. I use Hammer too. If you are using a Hammer flask you have to make sure you open the nozzle all the way. You have to pull pretty hard to get it fully open. It'll open part way before having to click it fully open. |
| 2014-04-04 1:06 PM in reply to: smoom |
Regular 606 Portland, Oregon | Subject: RE: Gel flask? There are holsters that keep the flask upside down, so the gel stays at the nozzle. For long trail running, I use the raspberry gel in their gel flask. It is often below freezing temps, always undiluted, and it comes out slow. It is fast enough for me, since I try to just take a little bit every mile. When I use the flask on the bike, it sits in my bento box, but not tipped down. I often have more trouble getting a good sip. As mentioned, make sure the nozzle is all the way open. It will open half way...no good. Keep in mind that if you dilute them, you are getting fewer calories. Hammer are already 80 calories per packet (vs. 100 in GU). |
| 2014-04-04 8:10 PM in reply to: dfroelich |
Veteran 2842 Austin, Texas | Subject: RE: Gel flask? I found that the PowerGel (whatever it's called - the Power Bar company gel) flows much better than GU and worked well in a gel flask, undiluted on the bike. Can't imagine GU working as well - even in the heat - if undiluted, but haven't even tried it. Matt |
| 2014-04-05 9:00 AM in reply to: smoom |
| Richland, Washington | Subject: RE: Gel flask? I stuff them in my trisuit. Body heat keeps them fluid. I've never diluted. |
| 2014-04-05 10:55 AM in reply to: mcmanusclan5 |
Master 3205 ann arbor, michigan | Subject: RE: Gel flask? Originally posted by mcmanusclan5 I found that the PowerGel (whatever it's called - the Power Bar company gel) flows much better than GU and worked well in a gel flask, undiluted on the bike. Can't imagine GU working as well - even in the heat - if undiluted, but haven't even tried it. Matt This. Gu is so much thicker than the Power Bar Gel. I can't stomach Gu, even from the packet because it is just like a thick paste in my mouth. Hammer is fairly liquid too if I remember correctly. When I was using a gel flask, I would put in four gels and then top it off with water, shake really hard and never had a problem getting it out of the flask. My favorite combo was three tangerine + one vanilla to make my own creamsicle. |
| 2014-04-06 11:36 AM in reply to: mcmanusclan5 |
Master 2406 Bellevue, WA | Subject: RE: Gel flask? Originally posted by mcmanusclan5 I found that the PowerGel (whatever it's called - the Power Bar company gel) flows much better than GU and worked well in a gel flask, undiluted on the bike. Can't imagine GU working as well - even in the heat - if undiluted, but haven't even tried it. Matt GU works well enough in a flask if it's warm outside (80+) or you keep it inside a vest or some such. I can't stomach Hammer or PowerGels much - the consistency is too thin for my taste. I used to use a gel flask, and gave up on that several years back. It was too hard to judge the correct amount; either I was eating a half a gel or two gels or something in between. Too often I'd waste some at the end of a training ride or run out partway through. I just use the individual packages and it's much less hassle, even if I do have to deal with the empty packages. |
| 2014-04-06 5:04 PM in reply to: smoom |
Veteran 434 Apex, NC | Subject: RE: Gel flask? Thanks for all the tips everyone. I tried it again yesterday. I filled the flask with hammer about 3/4 or more full then filled the rest with water then I shook it and let it sit overnight. My Sat AM ride was warmer this week, about 60. The first portion came out pretty easily then it got thicker but I could still suck it out. Maybe it's just still a bit cold. (I did make sure I had it opened all the way). Trial and error I guess. |
| 2014-04-07 7:00 AM in reply to: #4976673 |
Expert 977 | Subject: RE: Gel flask? I use the Hammer flask with my GU. I dilute to 1 GU per oz. so if I put in 3 GU them I fill with water to the 3 oz mark. It really isn't much, just enough to get it a little thinner. First time I used it I took a shot about 10 mi into the ride and accidentally took 3 GU. It came out much faster than I thought. I can now pretty much take 1 Shot at a time now. |
| 2014-04-07 7:56 AM in reply to: Duanerice |
Member 169 | Subject: RE: Gel flask? Dumb question but how do these things work? Do you take Hammer/Gu gel packs, tear them open and squeeze them into the flask? If so what's the point of that. If not can you just buy a big tube of Hammer/Gu gel and squeeze a small amount into the flask? |
| 2014-04-07 12:47 PM in reply to: aliddle9876 |
Veteran 740 The Woodlands, TX | Subject: RE: Gel flask? Hammer Gel is available in a bulk container...easy to use with the gel flask and a little cheaper on a per serving basis. Plus it eliminates having to mess with packaging while on the bike! I use a lot of hammer gel during training and don't dilute it. I have two different gel flasks......one flows hammer gel with no problem. The other has a much more restrictive nozzle and takes a little effort to get the gel through. Not all gel flasks are created equal! |
| 2014-04-07 1:13 PM in reply to: g_shotts |
Pro 5761 Bartlett, TN | Subject: RE: Gel flask? I like the gel flask better than the packets because it is just easier for me to use and I do not get all sticky. Plus the fact of not having used, opened gel packets waded up in my jersey is nice. I have never diluted any of my Hammer gels and never really had a problem. |
| 2014-04-07 1:21 PM in reply to: smoom |
Expert 3145 Scottsdale, AZ | Subject: RE: Gel flask? Is this for run or bike? If it's for bike just empty them into a water bottle and dilute there. I'd agree though that your problem is most likely the temperature. My first HIM I trained consistently with a flask and zero issues. Come race day and it's 50s (compared to my AZ training in the 70s-100s) and it was impossible to get anything out of my flask. I haven't used one since but rather dilute gels in the water bottle on the bike and just stick to the packets on the run. |
| 2014-04-07 4:26 PM in reply to: thebigb |
Expert 1263 Wendell, NC | Subject: RE: Gel flask? I use Hammer gel mixed a little less than 4:1 w/ water in a 0.5L platypus water bottle as seen here http://www.amazon.com/Platypus-Soft-Bottle-Closure-1-Liter/dp/B008W... . Easy to carry in my running vest pocket. It's easy to get the stuff out with the flexible body. I use the regular cap and not the nipple top because the nipples seem to leak sticky stuff everywhere. |
| 2014-04-07 4:44 PM in reply to: La Tortuga |
Member 166 Delco, PA | Subject: RE: Gel flask? I use First Endurance's EFS Liquid Shot. Don't dilute it at all and it's great for me. |
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