What is Your Favorite Electrolyte Replacement Drink for Cycling?
March 20th, 2009 • Cycling/Fitness
Electrolyte Replacement Drinks are crucial to cycling success. Photo by BurningKarma.
Nutrition is a huge part of cycling. Without proper nutrition, you will be unable to maintain a steady pace and your performance will be much poorer than what it should be. One of the most important parts of your nutritional plan is the electrolyte replacement drink you consume during your rides.
The world of electrolyte replacement drinks is very big, and there are a multitude of options on the market. Most riders have favorites which they prefer to drink. However, as a relatively new cyclist, I am still trying to find my favorite brand of electrolyte replacement drink.
As a result, I’ve turned to you guys, the loyal readers of MikeMartinRacing.com. What are your favorite electrolyte replacement drinks? I know some are better than others, and rather than constantly change my program trying to find the best brand, I’m asking you what yours is. Your responses will greatly impact my choice of electrolyte replacement drink heading into the near future, so don’t forget to leave your reply in the comments.
What are Electrolyte Replacement Drinks?
Photo by Andy on Flickr.
When you exercise, you use up the essential nutrients your body needs to perform at its highest level. As a result, in order to keep your body at peak performance, you must replace these nutrients.
Although electrolytes are not all that needs to be replenished while cycling, they are one type of nutrient which is crucial to your muscular performance. Electrolytes are essentially ions in water which can conduct electricity, thus aiding in the efficiency of your muscles.
Electrolyte replacement drinks replenish your body’s supply of Sodium and Potassium ions which helps to prevent dehydration. Some common examples of mass market electrolyte replacement drinks are Gatorade, Powerade, and, to a certain extent, Vitamin Water.
Popular Electrolyte Replacement Drinks for Cyclists
Photo by VMulky.
While Gatorade, Powerade and Vitamin Water are some of the more popular electrolyte replacement drinks, they are by far not the best option for cyclists. Powerade and Gatorade contain way to much sugar, which makes them an awful choice for serious athletes.
Instead, there are a number of more scientifically advanced solutions which are much more beneficial for cyclists. While they may be more expensive and not as easily available, the benefits they yield are infinitely valuable to your cycling training.
While this is certainly not an all inclusive list, here are some of the most popular electrolyte replacement sports drinks.
- CytoSport Cytomax (My previous choice)
- Hammer Nutrition Heed
- ClifBar ClifShot
- MotorTabs (Thanks Christy @SoCalCycling)
- Accelerade
- Make your Own (Thanks @longstride and Lifehacker)
Which Should I Choose?
Photo by RichardMasoner.
For months I have been using CytoSport Cytomax. I purchased it at my local bike shop and it has worked relatively well. It tastes alright, not great, but it is drinkable. However, my tub of powder is nearly empty, and I am on the market for a new drink.
Which is the best option? I’m looking for a good combination of performance, price and taste. The make your own option looks good, however, it is best to use Maltodextrin as opposed to sugar, which is a little more difficult to come by. In addition, I’m open to other suggestions, the ones listed above are just the options I am aware of.
I would love to here your recommendations for electrolyte replacement drinks, leave them in the comments!
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