General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Gel Flasks Rss Feed  
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2015-05-08 10:41 AM


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Subject: Gel Flasks
Anybody out there like these things? I recently bought one thinking that it would be a good idea just to get larger quantities of gel at a time to be cost effective and refill it. My first go round with the flask was on a shorter ride and I only needed 1 serving in it. Due to the consistency of the gel you basically can't get any of the gel out of the flask and into your mouth (where it needs to go). Really the only way to use these things is to keep it full all the time and by using it that way you're never going to clean it. Unless there is some dumb user error on my part I think sticking with the one serving size packets is the way to go if gels are your thing.


2015-05-08 10:51 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Gel Flasks

I dilute a little with water. It seems to do the trick

Also, I've only carried them when I needed 3+ gels. Anything less and I use the packets.



Edited by ratherbeswimming 2015-05-08 10:51 AM
2015-05-08 11:13 AM
in reply to: 0

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Extreme Veteran
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Olathe, KS
Subject: RE: Gel Flasks

Same here. I'll put two gels worth in each flask and then put in water (not quite all the way full) and then shake. Sometime it takes a while for the gel to fully dilute depending on what you use. I find using flasks much more convenient, especially during a longer race (half-iron distance +) or a long bike/run. That way I don't have to mess with tearing open packets while riding or with sweaty hands, plus the stickiness factor is reduced.

Any race or workout involving a total of one or two packets, I'm taking them in through their original packaging.



Edited by Barkeep 2015-05-08 11:16 AM
2015-05-08 11:17 AM
in reply to: Barkeep

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Veteran
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Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: Gel Flasks

I use them for HIM, but not shorter distances.  Typically put 4.5 gels into a 5 gel flask and then dilute the balance with a touch of water.  That works well for PowerGels, which are a bit less viscous than a GU.  For GU, I can only get 4 in and they still don't flow as well (but will - especially if you put the flask back in your top upside down during the race).

Never used one for training, though.

Matt

2015-05-08 11:41 AM
in reply to: mcmanusclan5

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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Gel Flasks

I've used them for my primary nutrition at all my HIM/IM races.  Super easy way to track and parse out calories.  I use Hammer gel and usually mix 4 parts gel, 1 part water.  I also use them in training rides/runs over two hours.  They fit nicely in tri top or cycling jersey pockets.  Wish I could find some shorts that could accommodate them.

2015-05-08 11:55 AM
in reply to: Gatornate


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Subject: RE: Gel Flasks
Excellent. Thank you all for the tips.


2015-05-08 12:16 PM
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Melbourne FL
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Subject: RE: Gel Flasks

Remember when consuming gels to dilute as recommended by the brand being used, typically 6-8oz water per packet, otherwise GI issue may result.  I've used a gel flask filled ~60-70% with gels and rest with water to thin out the consistency of it.  Supplemented with water at the water stations or a separate water bottle.



Edited by Donto 2015-05-08 12:16 PM
2015-05-08 2:46 PM
in reply to: Gatornate

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New user
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Overland Park, KS
Subject: RE: Gel Flasks
Here's a few more tips:
-Keep the flask tip pointed down so gravity keeps the gel at the mouthpiece: tight pocket, waistband of shorts, flask mount can be setup with tip down etc.
-Keep the flask against your body if it is cold outside
-I store the flask in the fridge between uses, wash the mouth piece every time, add gel as needed, and only wash the flask when it is appropriately low or every season, whichever comes first.
2015-05-08 3:06 PM
in reply to: mikec123

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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Gel Flasks

One more, and maybe I'm the only one dumb enough to do this but when closing the valve I now push the top of the flask against my side or thigh to click it shut.  Used to just push it against my teeth until I snapped it shut pinching my lip.  Hurt like crazy and was not easy to reopen to extricate my lip.

2015-05-09 8:12 AM
in reply to: popsracer

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Houston
Subject: RE: Gel Flasks
I have several and love them. Great for gels and also for those runs not quite long enough for your hydration belt. I will fill mine 1/2 way, freeze and top off before my run. Helps keep me cool in hot Houston.
2015-05-10 2:09 PM
in reply to: Gatornate

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Veteran
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Apex, NC
Subject: RE: Gel Flasks
Not to be the downer but I experimented with them for a season and have gone back to packets. Flasks make total sense. If for no other reason than you can buy gel in bulk. I even tried making some of my own gel. But I never got the viscosity quite right and was always maniacally trying to suck through the valve and then half the time having to unscrew the cap and drink it through the large opening, not great while moving. Also, if you don't think about it and it's cold and the flask is in an outside pocket it's super think and you aren't getting anything out of there.

Having said that., I still might go back and try again.


2015-05-13 10:01 AM
in reply to: smoom

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Veteran
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The Woodlands, TX
Subject: RE: Gel Flasks
Not all gel flasks have the same nozzle. I have two made by different manufacturers, and one nozzle has a bigger flow path than the other. I know I have to add an extra teaspoon or so of water to the flask that doesn't flow as easily. Luckily they have different nozzle colors and are easy to tell apart.

Also, I buy the bulk hammer gel. It's a lot less viscous than some of the other brands and doesn't require as much dilution.

Gel flasks are the way to go on the bike! No fumbling to get a packet opened, and no sticky packets to mess with after a feed. As an aside, I train on the Texas IM course pretty regularly. If you look, you'll see a lot of gel packets littering the northern part of the course. I'm sure most of it's unintentional, but I think a lot of people have trouble getting the spent packets in their jersey pockets.
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