The Best On Bike Nutrition Products
On-Bike Nutrition: Fuel Your Adventure with the Best Brands
Dialing in both your hydration and nutrition is extremely important to having a good day in the saddle. Whether you're riding long distances or tackling challenging terrain, having the best on-bike nutrition can make a significant difference in your performance, and your attitude.From energy gels to electrolyte-rich drinks and bars, here are some of the top products that can keep you powered up and feeling strong.
1. Tailwind Nutrition
Tailwind Nutrition is based in Durango, Colorado, and is known for its clean, balanced fuel for endurance athletes. Made with a blend of glucose and sucrose, it provides both quick and sustained energy. It’s easy to digest and designed to be gentle on the stomach, making it perfect for long rides. One of Tailwind's standout features is its all-in-one electrolyte, calorie, and hydration blend, eliminating the need to carry multiple products.
2. Untapped
Untapped's on-bike nutrition products focus on the power of real maple syrup. Their energy gels and drink mixes provide a natural, slow-burning energy source, helping cyclists avoid spikes and crashes. Untapped products are organic, gluten-free, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Untapped Maple Syrup is as close to real food as you'll get for this type of nutrition supplement. The main downside, though, is that they can be a bit more viscous compared to other similar products so can be a bit harder to consume during intense efforts. The other downside is you may want to ditch your ride and have pancakes instead.
3. Lecka
Lecka offers a unique take on nutrition by completely ditching maltodextrin. Lecka instead utilizes the flavors from Southeast Asia and their food is packed with natural sugars, electrolytes, and fats, Lecka's products give sustained energy for longer rides. Their higher calorie content is great for cyclists needing more substantial fuel, but it may not be ideal for short or intense rides.
4. Gnarly Nutrition
Gnarly Nutrition specializes in products that are as nutritious as they are effective. Their products, such as their Hydrate drink mix and Fuel2O, are designed to provide both hydration and sustained energy during longer rides. With natural flavors and added BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), these products help with recovery while you're still riding. While some people love the taste and effectiveness, some gripe that it can be a bit chalky. We have found Gnarly to be among our favorites for both hydration and nutrition.
5. GU Energy
GU Energy, you've definitely heard of it, and you've definitely got some jersey stains from it as well. They're a household name in the endurance world, known for its variety of energy gels, chews, and drink mixes. Their gels are rich in carbohydrates and electrolytes, and the brand offers a wide variety of flavors. GU’s consistency is thinner than some competitors, making it easy to swallow while riding. On the flip side, some riders may find the sweetness of the gels overwhelming, especially during prolonged use. One other note here...who the heck gets the Plain flavor?
6. ProBar
When ProBar first came on the market they were one of the first to offer nutrient-dense, whole food energy bars made with organic ingredients. These bars are great for cyclists who prefer real, wholesome food as their fuel. They're packed with calories so they can be a great solution for really long days in the saddle. One every couple of hours combined with some liquid calories is a great way to stay fueled up.With an array of flavors and both vegan and non-vegan options, ProBar provides more substantial nourishment than the typical energy bar. They're quite dense so it's best to eat these on the flats as you may have a rough time eating one of these on a steep climb.
7. Honey Stinger
Honey Stinger uses the natural power of honey as the base for its energy gels, waffles, and chews. The gels provide an excellent mix of simple sugars and electrolytes, making them ideal for quick energy during rides. We're a big fan of just rocking their honey packets for a super quick boost of energy. We always carry a few of these to stave off a bonk. The waffles are a fan favorite for cyclists looking for a portable snack that’s easy to eat. Be warned, Honey Stinger products are among the stickiest foods mentioned in this article. Handle with care.
8. SIS (Science in Sport)
Science in Sport (SIS) is renowned for its scientifically formulated sports nutrition products. Their isotonic gels and electrolyte drinks are designed to provide rapid hydration and energy. With a focus on the science behind hydration and endurance, SIS ensures you’re getting the right balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates. Unlike typical gels these are a bit less viscous and that can come as a surprise if you're new to the brand.
9. Cliff Bar
Cliff Bar is a classic when it comes to on-the-bike nutrition. Offering a variety of energy bars with organic ingredients, these bars provide long-lasting fuel with a blend of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. They fit into a jersey pocket perfectly and are generally quite easy to eat on the go. Another plus side is you can find them just about everywhere these days so it's easy to pick up while out on a ride.
Cliff Bar
Cliff bar is a classic fueling solution. If you're like us you've probably eaten more of these than you'd like to admit.
10. Osmo Nutrition
Osmo Nutrition focuses on hydration and endurance, offering products that help replenish electrolytes and provide sustained energy. Their drink mixes are particularly praised for being easy on the stomach and very hydrating. Osmo’s focus on hydration makes it a great choice for those doing longer, hotter rides. They don't have a ton of flavors to pick from but their limited selection tastes great.
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