Gel Flask?

I bought one mostly because I found it frustrating to always run out of the little packets. Its also very wasteful. I bought a fuel belt one that carries 6 oz, I normally put 4 or 5 in it plus some water to dilute it a little.

just be sure you really like the gel flavor and it sits well before buying a big bottle of it.

http://www.fuelbelt.com/s.nl/it.A/id.193/.f

You can buy them filled and then buy a bigger jug of it to refill it. Vanilla is my favorite. The EFS drink mix is also great stuff.

https://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-liquid-shot.html

Thanks! The above looks, I will try that for my next long ride. Seems nice to just put one or two in the back pocket.

Remember that it's all going to be somewhat expensive unless you make your own from scratch (which isn't hard actually).

Better to use what you're going to race with - IMC is powerbar gels and perform so if you're going to use course stuff you should test with those. Otherwise pick and train with what you're going to race with.

I just ordered some of that EFS stuff to try out. Powerbar gel was ok on last him but it's pretty gross IMO.

x2.  And you can buy a 26 serving bottle of gel for around $20 at most tri shops.  Hammer apple cinnamon is my choice.

When it's cold, put it inside a piece of clothing.  Jersey pocket works just fine for me.  Put it in upside down.  Then just squeeze.  (Despite their marketing, I use Hammer gels.)  I've never had a problem down to 30 degrees.

So 4-5 gels and a bit of water in each? Obviously rest of cals on course, but do you carry any other food? Pickup a 2nd flask on full im bike special needs?

I also use flasks for long training rides and just use the gel of your preferance.  If you buy the gels by the box (usually 24 gels per box) then the price becomes reasonable.

I've tried the 26 serving jug that Hammer offers...but I prefer to buy individual packets (by the box) instead now.  I like the option of just taking 1 or 2 gels if I'm going out on a shorter ride rather than having to putting just 1 or 2 ounces of gels in a flask.  You can always fill the flask then save the rest for later...but I try to avoid it.

mix it with water.  I usually dilute my flask with 4 ounces gel to 1.5 ounce water.

x2 what he said.  I have the hammer flask and it fits 5 gels.  I mix it with a little water and it goes down the hatch quickly and easily.  The bike mount is VERY handy and frees up the bento for other "stuff".