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review
Wiggle Caffeine gel£14.49
VERDICT:
Tasty energy supply for less than 65p per gel; that's a lot of value
Weight:
38g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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Nutrition is very much an individual preference. This is a hugely competitive market with each brand offering products that will provide x, y and z plus tasting like a sunday roast. If only! Maybe that is one for future development but for now how do you decide what's best?
Online retailer Wiggle have decided to enter the fray. Offering both caffeinated and caffeine free options these gels represent terrific value. A box of the caffeine infused gels will set you back £12.99 for 20, 38g gels. That's less than 65p per gel. Available in a citrus flavour they are very palatable and easy on the digestive system.
Given the recommended intake for gels is one every 20-30 minutes this last factor is key. On any long ride if you are taking on board a regular supply of gels, bars etc, they need to sit well on your stomach.
Each Wiggle energy gel boasts 22.6g of carbohydrates, plenty to keep the muscles topped up with energy. Add in some electrolytes and you can work harder for longer due to your body receiving the nutrients it needs.
To be exact in each gel you get: 384kJ of energy, 30mg of caffeine, 22.6g of carbohydrates plus sugar and salt. In terms of taste the gels are certainly citrusy flavoured without being acidic or tart so they are easy to digest without creating any nasty after taste. They have only been tested on shorter rides where a couple of gels have been needed but on this evidence they pack taste and energy into the small but easy to open packet.
Consistency is just to my liking. They are not the almost chewy variety of gels, neither are they so runny you feel as if you are taking a slurp of water on board. The Wiggle gels sit nicely in the middle which is just right. Goldilocks consistency.
The list of ingredients is on a par with other brands so if you're struggling to find something to keep you topped up on those epic rides, the Wiggle energy gels may be what you're looking for. Taste, energy, carbohydrates and less than 65p a pop - what have you got to loose?
Verdict
Tasty energy supply for less than 65p per gel; that's a lot of value
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Wiggle Caffeine gel (20 pack)
Size tested: Citrus
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
For riders looking to keep muscles working hard on long or short rides. The mix of carbohydrates and energy are all here and in a tasty citrus flavour.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
To be exact in each gel you get: 384kJ of energy, 30mg of caffeine, 22.6g of carbohydrates plus sugar and salt. In terms of taste the gels are certainly citrusy flavoured without being acidic or tart so they are easy to digest without creating any nasty after taste. They have only been tested on shorter rides where a couple of gels have been needed but on this evidence they pack taste and energy into the small but easy to open packet.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Offering the mix of ingredients provides a balanced additional supply to help keep you topped up.
Rate the product for value:
10/10
I'm not sure you'll beat the price per gel of less than 65p. That represents very good value. Tasty too.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Offering carbohydrates and energy plus caffeine is a decent boost on any ride, all presented in a tasty concoction.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Taste and easy to open.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The only concern with any gel is the taste of several hours in the saddle but with the Wiggle gels offering such good value you aren't going to break the bank to find out.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes, it's tasty.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Not a bad first foray into the energy product market from the online retailer. It will be interesting to see if they expand the range and try some more adventurous flavours.
About the tester
Age: 45 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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