Protein/Energy bar reviews?

[Sylvan]

Anybody out there who has tried the different protein/energy bars that are out there? What kinds do you like? What kinds can you not stand? What kinds work well/give you the best energy?

[steve_b]

Most of the bars out there taste like flavored hockey pucks. Powerbar Harvest and Cliff bars are tollerable. Better yet, use bananas, pop-tarts, or fig newtons.

Having said that, there is no magical energy food. You might be able to give yourself a short boost with certain things, but I feel it's a little short-sighted to think a powerbar or a plate of spaghetti will make you Roland Green. ::)

I have had some great short-term energy boosts with Mt Dew Code red. (really)
;D

[Shubnigurath]

If its energy your in need of, nothing..and i mean nothing, provides anything even close to stacker 2 or ripped fuel pills (although i experienced major aggresion while on ripped fuel...so i use stacker). take 1 pill round 1/2 hour before riding and it will not only increse energy levels, but will significantly enhance reaction time and alertness...and it should last for at least 3 or 4 hours. WARNING!!!...read the disclaimers carefully before trying this product...if your on the -dont use- side of the warning..DONT USE...theyr not joking around with that..these products can and do kill people who overuse/abuse them. Ive been using them for 2 years now...a bottle of 90 caps last me about almost 1/2 a year, and they work great for me. Other than those, powerbars work good..less sugar than most (Lance Armstrong uses them...'nuff said), and cliff bars rock too.

[Shubnigurath]

oh...and yeah, almost forgot..while sodas (especially mt. dew, jolt and the like) are good for very short term boosts of energy, they are no good for extended rides because of the -sugar crash-that occures a short while after, which will leave you rather sluggish...and carbonation is not the best thing for you while exerting yourself vigerously for extended periods of time..hope this helps 8)

[Mr_Cheeze]

Personally I prefer Clif Bars. All of the Ice series are delicious. They help me endure about another 1 to 1.5 hours more of riding when I time it right. (Eat it before you need it) I would never recommend using a thermogenic supplement (Stacker II, Ripped Fuel, Xenadrene) to anyone who is just recreationally riding. They are designed for performance enhancing and will definitely not help you enjoy a relaxed ride. If training for a race, maybe. But they make your heart race and I think it's a dangerous combination with a sport where your heart rate is already increased.

Has anyone tried the new Powerbars "now, with IMPROVED flavor!"? Why do I doubt their claim?

[tbm]

:o
Nothing beats Km, http://www.nbizz.com/kaha/listings/1.html. It tastes like tree bark, but you only need a few ounces. Mix it w/ juice or your favorite beverage to dilute the taste. I take a swig while I'm getting my gear together 'bout a 15-20mins before I hit the trails. If you'll remember from high school chemistry "K" is the symbol for potassium. Yes, bananas do not taste as vile, but you would have to eat about 6 to equal what a few ounces of Km can do for you.

I should mention one thing. $40 might seem a bit high for a bottle of this stuff. But a bottle will last you at least a year. I bought 6 bottles back in 1996 and I'm half way thru the 6th bottle.

Bryan

[SloMoJo]

This my first year really riding, and the powerbars are fine by me.

I also have recently been putting the GU2O powder in my water, and that helps me finish before bonking. Provides the electrolytes the body needs.

Anyone else have opinions on the powders?

[I Are Baboon]

I've tried every damn protein and energy bar under the sun (as an avid weightlifter, I use protein bars all the time).

The best protein bar I have found are Nitro Tech bars...any of the chocolate flavors (s'mores, peanut butter, etc). They are also the most expensive I have found. When I say they are "the best" I have tried, I am referring to flavor, protein/vitamins/minerals and how well they digest. Some bars put me on the shitter like you wouldn't believe.

Best energy bars are Clif Bars. I like the Carrot Cake and the Chocolate Java Avalanche the best. I also like most Powerbars, although they are not as tasty as Clif bars.

[puff_daddi]

Personally I'm a fan of the Met-Rx Big 100 gram bars (cokie dough flavor)they have 27 g Protien per bar with only 4 g of fat and 50 g carbs - a reasonable combo and good taste. I also like the cliff bars - they work well too.

My aboslute favorite combo right now (because it works far and above anything else I've tried) is a product called Sustained Energy from e-caps. This is a great company with great products. I mix the SE with their Hammer gel product and water and get a 500 - 600 calorie mix of protein, carbs, and essential electrolytes.

Check them out at www.e-caps.com - you won't be disappointed!

[sizlinseagulsoup]

I've tried most of the "trendy" energy bars and have found the clif bars to be the best and the best tasting. I usually eat a clif bar and some fig newtons 45 minutes before every race and it serves me well.