Science in Sport Go Gel Cola Plus Caffeine 60ml

SiS has been in the sports food business for over two decades, with a large range of nutrition products for cyclists and other athletes, including this new Go Gel + Caffeine. As well as carbohydrates for energy, this gel also contains caffeine to enhance mental and physical performance. It tastes good, slips down easily, and definitely provides a kick when you need it.

These days, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to energy products, including SiS's own isotonic Go Isotonic Gels, which are specifically designed to combine about 20g of carb with about 40g of water, so you don't need to drink from a separate bottle to help swallow the gel or to make it more effective as a source of energy (as you do with some other gel brands).

Go Gel + Caffeine uses a very similar formula to regulr Go Isotonic Gel, with the main ingredients including water and maltodextrin (from maize) and each 60g gel providing 21g of carb, with the addition of 75mg of caffeine.

The SiS website says: 'The addition of caffeine has been repeatedly shown by sport scientists to improve performance by providing both a physical and mental boost.' Having tested this gel towards the end of a long sportive I can say it definitely works.

With about 15 miles to go and the pace high, my legs were starting to tire. I necked one of these gels and instantly felt the benefits. Whereas I might have faded on the final hills, I was able to keep going and finish in style rather than as a shattered wreck. Yes, it might all be perception, but the end result is the same, and on that basis I'd recommend these gels as well worth a try.

While I found it useful at the end of a long ride, at the other end of the scale, some riders take a caffeine gel before a crit or short time trial when they need a mental and physical boost right from the gun. Either way, for most riders, 21g of carb provides enough energy for between 15 and 30 minutes on the bike, depending how hard you're riding and other aspects such as physiology.

Likewise, the 75mg of caffeine will have a physical and mental effect that varies from rider to rider.

The SiS website also says you could take these gels during a ride and recommends consuming up to three sachets per 60 minutes as required, but no more than four sachets per day. There may be sound scientific reasons for recommending this many gels, although a cynic might say it's more to do with sales figures. Personally, I found one or two gels was enough, and found them more effective towards the end of a long ride, in the same way as cup of coffee is more effective if you haven't had one for a while.

As with all energy products, whether you take one gel or four, and whether it's before a ride, halfway through, or towards the end - or all three - you'll need to do a bit of trial and error to see what works best for you.

Finally, the weight if these gels is worth noting. At 60g they're pretty bulky, and with 21g of carb you're carrying 39g of other stuff – mainly water – in your back pocket. There's nothing wrong with that. SiS emphasise that it's a deliberate strategy so you can refuel and hydrate at the same time. This is great for runners or other athletes that have to wait to reach a drink station or a break in play before they can get any liquid, but it's not such a big deal for cyclists who will usually have a bottle or two on their bike that can be reached at any time.

If you're a rider who likes to combine liquid intake with carb intake, then SiS gels are ideal. But if you prefer to get your liquid from your bottles, and carry less weight in your back pocket (or at least, more carbs for the weight) then there are other gels available.

On price, one Go Gel + Caffeine costs £1.79 with a box of 30 costing £48 (so about £1.60 each). This compares to other caffeinated gels, such as Zipvit's ZV7c (about £1.80 when bought singly) or Mule Bar's Kick gel (£36 for a box of 24, ie £1.50 each), making the SiS gels fair value.

Verdict

High performing gel with carbohydrates for energy and caffeine for enhanced results. It tastes good, slips down easily, and provides a noticeable kick when required.