Do you drink cycling sports drinks ? Obviously, you can pack water at home, but is it really necessary to buy a can of sports drink?
According to a survey I did in some cycling clubs, about half of the riders drink cycling sports drinks, and a half only drink water. It can be seen that half of the riders still do not understand the help of sports drinks, or I don’t think it’s necessary.
Let’s take a look at how sports drinks can help us today!
Your Sweat Is Not Just Water!
Have you ever thought that when you are climbing a very steep mountain road and you are constantly increasing your cruising speed on the flat ground, your body starts to sweat to cool down your body temperature, but what is in the sweat that runs down your cheeks?
In addition to being 99% water, sweat also contains electrolytes.
When the exercise intensity is high and the ambient temperature is high, the body will sweat a lot, and the rate of electrolyte recovery in the body will not keep up with the rate of loss, resulting in a decrease in the concentration of electrolytes in the body.
The main functions of these electrolytes in the body are: [water control], [maintenance of osmotic pressure], [nerve conduction], [muscle contraction], each function will directly affect sports performance, every rider has to pay attention to.
What Happens When You Just Drink Water?
Generally speaking, the osmotic pressure of the human body is about 270~330 m Osm/kg. Any liquid with an osmotic pressure lower than 270 will be classified as low osmotic pressure, and water is low osmotic pressure.
Drinking only water while riding a bike will make the osmotic pressure in the body unbalanced, and it will accelerate the decrease of electrolyte concentration due to sweating, causing cramps. If the situation is more serious, you may feel nausea, and even cause spontaneous dehydration, etc condition.
To put it simply:
increased body temperature → more sweating → lack of salt + drinking only water → decreased sodium ion concentration → more sweating → cramps
So no matter how far you ride on the day, it’s safest to have a can of sports drink on the bike just to be on the safe side.
What cycling Sports Drink Is Right For Me?-Best Drink For Cycling
There are three types of sports drinks currently on the market: high osmotic pressure, isotonic pressure and low osmotic pressure.
- Low osmotic pressure: The osmotic pressure is lower than 270 mOsm/kg, and the absorption rate is too fast.
- Iso-osmotic pressure: The osmotic pressure is between 270~330 mOsm/kg, the electrolyte concentration is similar to that of the human body, and the absorption rate is moderate.
- High osmotic pressure: The osmotic pressure is higher than 330 mOsm/kg, which mainly provides the body’s sugar reserve, and the absorption rate is too slow.
Cycling has a certain intensity of exercise and sweats a lot. Some of the riders
Because riding a bicycle has a certain intensity of exercise, sweat flow is very much, in the summer car riders have experienced the experience of dry mouth, clothes wet enough to squeeze out water experience.
At this time, the general sports drinks are more difficult to enter.
And osmotic pressure sports drink will not have a sweet feeling, the body is easy to absorb, supplement fast.
So it’s perfect for cycling for supplies.
I recommend a fruity sports energy drink to everyone: Gatorade Original Thirst Quencher 3-Flavor Frost Variety Pack, 20 Ounce, 12 Count. I think when you’re tired from exercising, you immediately think of it.
Product Information
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Package Dimensions | 12.17 x 8.82 x 7.91 inches; 15 Pounds |
| Item model number | 00052000133318 |
| UPC | 773821842196 052000133318 |
| Manufacturer | Gatorade |
| ASIN | B00HC7633C |
| Types of drinks | Sports drinks |
| Fat content | 0g/100mL |
Highlight Analysis
- Scientific Proportion, Lightning Supply
Gatorade energy drink simultaneously satisfies the replenishment of water, electrolytes, and energy, so that every drop of sweat can be replenished. The scientific ratio is helpful for functional recovery after exercise. Quick Replenishment: Replenish water, electrolytes, and energy to help restore state after exercise.
- Rich in Electrolytes
When you sweat, you lose more than water. Gatorade Thirst Quencher contains critical electrolytes to help replace what’s lost in sweat.
- Include a variety of flavors
Flavors include Cool Blue, Frost Riptide Rush, and Frost Glacier Freeze.
- Crisp & Cool
Gatorade Frost has a light, crisp flavor and is made to keep you hydrated. Gatorade contains critical electrolytes to help replace what’s lost in sweat.
- Backed by Science
All products are formulated and tested at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.
- Fuel Your Game
Gatorade is the official sports drink provider of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. It is also found across intercollegiate sidelines nationwide and trusted by some of the best athletes.
FAQs
1. Does Gatorade contain sweet substitutes?
No. No sugar in it
2. How many sugars does each bottle have?
Regular is 20+ or get Gatorade zero with no sugar
3. Is gluten free?
None of the ingredients in this product are derived from grains or flours that have been linked to gluten sensitivity. While these products are not formulated using gluten-containing ingredients, they have NOT been tested to be gluten-free. There is a possibility the ingredients were exposed to/stored next to gluten-containing foods during processing.
4. what is the expiration date?
Varies, most of ours are 8 months to a year.
5.Is Gatorade good for cycling?
Yes, there are certain benefits, it provides hydration, carbohydrates and electrolytes and I think it is a must have item for cycling workouts.
Customer Reviews
1. From Vincent / Flavor Name: Classic Variety Pack
Unlike most other variety packs (like chips for example) you get a even distribution of call flavors; in this case you get 4 lemon lime, 4 Fruit Punch, and 4 Orange.
If you ever tasted Gatorade in the past, the formula is the same. It goes down really easy, and very refreshing when served chilled.
Good when you need an electrolyte fix if you’re constantly physically active. You get consistent energy instead of an instant adrenaline boost and crash as times goes on like energy drinks or pre-workout beverages. Since you do not get an adrenaline rush, you are less likely to get reckless in a competitive game, taking risky shots and may cost your team or yourself the match or game if the other team is well prepared. Conversely you can say you can dominate the other team with the latter to products, but you’re putting more emphasis on luck rather than skill and not striving for future improvement. So, what I’m trying to say is, the product is good for endurance activities that doesn’t depreciate your skill/energy level
Bottle design is generic. Doesn’t have a slim, sexy profile, but gets the job done. Cap is large with ridges for ease of twisting on or off; especially if your hands are sweaty.
Overall very good variety pack.
–Now a quote from the film the Water Boy:
Coach Klein: Gatorade not only quenches your thirst better, it tastes better too.
Bobby Boucher: No, you people are drinking the wrong water.
Coach Klein: Gatorade.
Bobby Boucher: H2O.
Coach Klein: Gatorade.
Bobby Boucher: H2O.
Coach Klein: [singing] Water sucks. It really, really sucks. Water sucks.
2. From Kara / Flavor Name: Frost Variety Pack
I got both this and the original flavor pack as part of my Subscribe & Save, and I really hope they keep this product in stock because I love them! I keep trying to quit drinking soda, and the Gatorade is a bit of a stopgap for when I can’t drink one more glass of water without flipping out! (Yes, I know it’s still a sugar-bomb, but one of these every couple of days vs. three can soda minimum is still a win!)
I like the mix of flavors between the two packages, the Frost Thirst Quencher is grape and berry, while the Original is more of a citrus flavor collection, so I don’t get bored!
3. From Amazon Customer / Flavor Name: Classic Variety Pack
I like these and very seldom buy them, because I cannot lift the variety pack, which is the most effective purchase. It was ideal to find these in the subscribe and save section of Amazon because now I can have them delivered and open them, as needed. Helps me stay hydrated and it was recommended in my nutrition plan.
The Right Way To Hydrate
Now that you know what cycling sports drinks are suitable to drink, how should you rehydrate while cycling?
Generally speaking, the way of hydration can be divided into three parts: front, middle, and back.
- Before cycling: You can add 250~500 cc of sports drink 30 minutes before departure to prepare for sweating during exercise later.
- Cycling: Replenish a sports drink every 15 minutes, 200 cc each time, to maintain a balance of water in and out.
- After cycling: Drink as much isotonic sports drink as possible to replenish lost water and electrolytes.
Generally speaking, riders are advised to drink while riding, rather than waiting until they are thirsty.
Because when the body feels thirsty, the “water loss ratio” has reached 2%!
If you feel thirsty during cycling, quickly replenishing isotonic sports drinks can replenish the flow of water and electrolytes, and the recovery effect will be better than drinking only water.
Remember, maintaining good hydration habits is the secret to maintaining athletic performance!
Some riders will drink coffee, juice, or even beer during the ride, and these beverages are not recommended to drink while riding.
Caffeine can cause diuresis and increase the frequency of going to the toilet.
The sugar in fruit juice can make blood sugar unstable, and it’s surprisingly high in calories!
As for beer, it goes without saying that drinking and driving are not good, so wait until you finish the ride before drinking these drinks!
Finally, let’s Summarize
If you only drink water while riding a bike, the concentration of electrolytes in your body will be too low, which can easily cause physical discomfort.
Isotonic sports drinks are best for quick hydration while cycling.
You need to take the initiative to replenish sports drinks before, during, and after cycling.
Keeping a good habit can make your performance better.
