Do you frequently feel fatigued and drained after cycling? If this is the case, you may be looking for a sports drink made specifically to help cyclists replenish electrolytes and carbs. But there are numerous sports beverages on the market, each with unique advantages, so which is the best sports drink mix for cyclists?
This article will teach you all about hydration, and electrolytes, and reveal the best sports drinks for cycling so you can stay hydrated and ride longer and farther.
One of the best sports drinks for cyclists is Skratch Lab Hydration Mix. This hydration mix optimizes performance with twice the electrolytes and nearly half the sugar of a traditional sports drink. And it tastes great!
Why is hydration important?
One of the most important things we need to do as bikers is to stay hydrated. This helps us bike at our best while avoiding weariness and frequent dehydration problems. Because of the intense muscle action involved in cycling, your body uses water quickly while riding. Unfortunately, the average person loses almost 1 liter of water during a 90-minute bike ride!
If you are concerned about hydration. Consider some of these ultra-hydrating products. They are well reviewed and can help you ride longer and farther.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals and water molecules that aid in the healthy functioning of our bodies. They are essential for keeping us hydrated and neutralizing acids and alkalies. However, these ions can cause muscle cramps or weariness if they are depleted over time. Electrolytes can be taken orally or intravenously. Some popular electrolytes include:
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sodium
How many electrolytes do you need to cycle?
Throughout your ride, drink electrolyte-containing fluids. Even in cooler weather, aim for 500-750 ml each hour.
The five best energy sports drinks for cyclists.
Weโre searching for is thirst-quenching without sugar or artificial sweeteners, a combination that wonโt disturb our stomachs and doesnโt have too much-added flavor; it also needs to taste great! So these are my recommendations for the best drinks for cyclists.
Skratch Labs Hydration Mix
Replenishing lost calories, electrolytes, and fluids is critical for all triathletes, particularly those pushing the endurance limit. Skratch Labs believes that consuming most of your calories from meals and leaving the fluids for electrolyte replenishment can reduce gastrointestinal difficulties while competing. The Skratch Labs-Anytime Energy Bar contains many calories, but the Skratch Labs-Sports Hydration Drink Mix contains fewer calories but many electrolytes.
This hydration mix optimizes performance with twice the electrolytes and nearly half the sugar of a traditional sports drink. In addition, the electrolytes restore the sweat you produce on the trainer without interfering with digestion.
Torq Energy
Torqโs Energy Drink Powder is part of the brandโs four-part ecosystem of fueling items. The drink powder, like the gels, chews, and bars, has 30g of carbohydrates per serving. This is less than most of todayโs top energy drinks, especially ones developed with fueling performance. Still, Torq is an excellent choice for athletes wishing to diversify their intake across different forms of food and drink. In addition, this is ideal for cooler days when drinking isnโt on top of mind.
The drink has a two-to-one glucose-to-fructose ratio, allowing you to ingest up to 90g every hour. There are seven flavors to select from, including caffeine-infused cola. These products are available in single-serve sachets, 500g or 1.5kg packages.
CAF Maurten 320
Maurten has a flavor-free composition and contains 100 g of caffeine in each sachet. Furthermore, when the carbs are exposed to stomach acid, the drink is changed to hydrogel, which is then carried more smoothly to the colon to be absorbed, according to Maurten.
If youโre still not convinced, consider that Eliud Kipchoge used it during his sub-two-hour marathon.
Wiggle Nutrition
Thereโs no doubt that some energy drinks are costly. Maurten and Skratch have the highest cost-per-serving on this list, and while they are both good for particular athletes in their ways, many people will not want to spend that much money on them. However, suppose you donโt want to maximize carb intake with sophisticated technologies and want to keep the fire blazing inside while working out. In that case, this Wiggleโs brand nutrition may be the perfect energy drink for you.
It contains 45g of carbohydrates per serving, which is a combination of dextrose (aka glucose), maltodextrin (long-chains of dextrose that absorb more slowly), and fructose (the type of sugar found in fruit). The lemon and lime flavors combine to form a dark green color that isnโt particularly appealing, but the taste isnโt bad.
Enervit Isotonic
Many consumers buy energy drinks because of the added electrolytes and vitamins they deliver, not just the carbohydrates. If this describes you, Enervitโs Isotonic blend is probably one of the best energy drinks for you. Of course, it does deliver 25g of carbs per serving, so fuel is still provided. Nonetheless, it contains a slew of hydration- and health-promoting substances, such as vitamin D, vitamin C, niacin, and others.
Are sports more hydrating than water?
The first thing to mention is that sports drinks are not healthy as a beverage. While they replenish your electrolytes, the rapid-acting carbohydrate (sugar) will offer you an instant energy boost and aid in recovery. Still, if used excessively, it might produce weariness. However, water alone will not replenish your electrolytes, so some drink mixture is necessary. This is why we recommend powders and tablets instead of energy drinks.
If you want even more tips, watch the video โ5 Electrolyte Drinks Every Cyclist Or Athlete NEEDS To Tryโ from the Swayvo YouTube Channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about the best sports drinks for cycling.
What is best to drink while cycling?
Water. When cycling, the first thing to drink is plain water. Water might be a wonderful alternative for a short bike ride or workout. Just keep in mind that you may require salt from another source.
Is Gatorade good for cycling?
Yes, Gatorade can help with cycling because it provides water, carbs, and electrolytes (such as salt and potassium), all of which are depleted during endurance sports.
Is red bull good for cycling?
This study found that consuming a moderate amount of caffeine, either as Red Bull or in anhydrous form, improved cycling time-trial performance. Most likely, the ergogenic effects of Red Bull energy drink are due to the effects of caffeine, and the other ingredients donโt add anything extra.
Is soda good for cycling?
Caffeine has been demonstrated to lower perceived effort, boost endurance, and improve concentration, making you feel sharper. However, there is only 32mg per 330ml can of Coke-less than half a cup of coffee-and studies have shown that this is insufficient to affect performance.
Conclusion
As a result of consuming the correct sports drinks, you can now run longer, faster, and with greater stamina. Eating one or two healthy snacks before starting your workout is important to keep your energy up and ensure you reach your goal.
This article covered hydration and electrolytes and revealed the best sports drinks for cycling. Here are some key takeaways.
Key takeaways
- One of the most important things we need to do as bikers is to stay hydrated.
- Because of the intense muscle action involved in cycling, your body uses water quickly while riding.
- The average person loses almost 1 liter of water during a 90-minute bike ride!
- Electrolytes are minerals and water molecules that aid in the healthy functioning of our bodies.
- Throughout your bike, drink electrolyte-containing fluids, even in cooler weather.
- One of the best sports drinks for cyclists is Skratch Lab Hydration Mix.
- Cycling may be a thirsty job, and energy drinks are vital for maintaining stamina on the bike.
- Sugar is the major cause of insulin, and blood sugar increases.
So, what are you drinking on your long rides? Did we cover everything you wanted to know? Let us know in the comments section below (we read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check our full blog for more tips and tricks on fixed gear and single-speed cycling. Thanks for reading, and stay fixed.
