salt tablets

x2.  the electrolyte loss causes cramps theory is pretty bunk according to the latest independent research.  The cause is probably muscle fatigue (i.e. your calves aren't trained yet to handle the stress your brick workouts are putting on them).  Only more training will fix that

OTOH, there was just a thread about pickle juice helping cramps that had lots of good info.  It's not the sodium that helps though, its another chemical, most likely vinegar.  There were some really good links in there about what is probably really going on WRT cramping.  I say probably because there is still a lot unknown (but electrolyte depletion is known to be a very poor theory).

Some of the links from that thread:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/09/phys-ed-can-pickle-juice-stop-muscle-cramps/

http://www.sportsscientists.com/2008/01/featured-series-on-science-of-sport.html

Well, I use succeed caps. I  a sweat a lot.  I have done century rides when it was cold out with no propblem.  I have done a century ride in 90 degree heat and was lying on the ground with just about all my muscles firing. (very painful).  So far when I use the Succeed caps I have not had a problem in the heat. I think the salt pills are useful for allowing my body to absorb the fluids quicker and keeps me hydrated.  I think if you check your weight before the workout then after the workout and multiply pounds lost by 16 oz and add in any fluid you take during the training you can come up with a sweat loss rste.  If you are just cramping in the calves or an isolated muscle I would think it is due to undertraining.  However, I cramp in a bunch of different muscles, including my jaw muscles when I drink afterward.  This is a dehydration issue and possibly loss of electrolyte balance.

http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/article.htm

Very unlikely that they will do anything physically for your cramping.  As mentioned, improve your fitness and the cramping will subside.

I've done ultra distance running races and triathlons in the hottest places on earth and have never used salt tablets or sodium/electrolyte supplements. These include a 152 mile running race in the Sahara desert in North Africa, a 105 mile running race on the Jordanian/Iraqi border and a 10 day non-stop adventure race in Vietnam along with races like Ironman Hawaii and the Laguna Phuket Triathlon in Thailand.

In general the best way to maintain adequate electrolyte balance is to use a sports drink such as common variety Gatorade or one of the more boutique/sports specialty electrolyte replacement beverages. These are widely available and easy to mix and carry.

Salt tablets, sodium supplements and electrolyte pills need adequate water to be properly absorbed. When you take these supplements the water hs to come from somewhere. In an odd paradox they can actually cause fluid to be shunted or kept in the G.I. system and actually accelerate dehydration.

Also, electrolyte supplementation, when indicated, is usually only required for extremely long duration events in extreme environments. Even then I haven't ever needed it.