Need input on various gels

Gu2O is Gu Sport's energy drink mix, not a gel.

Gu has a few different flavors and they have just released ROctane which has a bit mroe caffeine and some amino's added in.

I'm a little bit biased as to what to use, so I'll let others chime in.

I only use Carb Boom Apple Cinnamin because:

1. I like the flavor WAY more than any other (and I've tried most)
2. it's available by the jug making it economical and environmentally friendly (e.g. don't have to litter deal w/ those sticky packets)

I used to use Powergel but found at the time that my tummy did not always appreciate them. I have since learned that the newer formula is not nearly as harsh.

I switched to Gu and have had good luck with them. For workouts and races under 4 hours (Marathon, Sprint and Olympic Tris) they are all the nutrition I need.

For longer events, I found that I needed to supplement with solid food. (Usually Clif Bars) My tummy gets to the point where it rebels and quits absorbing if I don't mix things up. (Variety is the spice of life after all)

I have tried samples of Roctane and found that it also works well. 

I also found that mixing up flavors helps

What if you don't use any of them?

I tried them, didn't like them.  Sports drink, is the primary thing I use.  Some candy if it's available, maybe a banana.

I never actually ate it.  I sniffed it first, then offered some to you. 

I've tried em all. Gu is my favorite.  Most energy drinks upset my stomach at race pace (fine for Z1/Z2 stuff though).  My current strategy at all my races (Oly-HIM-1/2M- marathon) is to get water at every aid station and alternate Gu and an Endurolyte at each station except the last.  I rely on the course for water but keep my carbs/electrolytes on my race belt.

eg. my last HIM

1. water + Gu
2. water + Endurolyte
3. water + Gu
4. water + Endurolyte
5. water + Gu
6. water + Endurolyte
7. water + Gu Roctane (purely for the mental boost)
8. water on the run - mostly on me as opposed to in me...

If my stomach gets a little funky, I replace a Gu with an Endurolyte.

Hammergel works with my stomach too, but I prefer the taste of Gu.

I like the taste of Gu's the best.  But I think it upsets my stomach, I usually get a bloated, gassy feeling no matter how much water I drink w/ it. 

I googled some 'homemade sports gel recipes', saving cash and trash.  Im going to give one a try this weekend.  I'll let you know

No fair, you're biased as well.

I used to be able to handle GU, but this past marathon training season, they have become too thick and I end up gagging on it. Ugh...

I switched to Power Gel and it has made all the difference. Not as thick and goes down easier.

That being said I might try the GU20, though. 

Vanilla GU was fine for me for a while, but when I increased my training the amount of GU I was eating skyrocketed.  I got to the point where I just could not even think of eating vanilla GU!  I switched to Crank e-Gels, I dont see them mentioned very often on BT, but the serving size is larger than most gels and has electrolytes in it.  Only 4 flavors and I like them all, Cherry bomb is like a Jolly Rancher.  I also use Sport Beans.

Something else to consider with the gels....they can get really hot in the heat and/or in the back pocket of a bike jersey.  Some gels are ok at above room temps, but can be nasty when they get hot.  I had an issue with a Powergel Strawberry banana...it tasted like hot yogurt, ewww.   

I've moved to the gel blocks and prefer them to gels (personally I like the clif shot bloks - orange or strawberry)

Those, I can handle before the race starts. 

I hate the feel of the gels in my mouth so I use the shot bloks as well. My favorite flavor is the margarita with salt one.  

x2. But if pressed, the combination of Crank e-Gel (any flava) and lavasalts seems to get it done. I'm sure the accelgel and lavasalts combo would work, too....lemon-lime if you have to.

Oh, and the up-and-coming supplement is Carbo-Pro. I've had about 3 months of killer results with this, and lotsa folks I know are heading there. You need salt in addition (lavasalts), but the stuff is golden, at least through 3 months.