The range of Zipvit products includes energy drinks and gels, but recently I've been testing the ZV9 protein recovery bars. They're designed to be eaten after a long ride - the protein content helps your muscles repair and recover. Thus they're especially useful if you're doing stage races, multi-day sportives or simply an intensive week of back-to-back training sessions - although they're also fine to eat after a long ride if all you're doing the following day is sitting on the couch watching the Tour de France on TV.
In each 65g bar, there's about 20g of protein, along with 25g of carb and 18g of sugars. Unlike many other recovery bars, the protein in the ZV9 comes from milk and whey, rather than soya bean derivatives. Zipvit claim this is a better quality source of protein, and the easy digestion means no bloating of the stomach.
I tested the ZV9s recently by eating a couple of bars straight after a hilly sportive in the Cotswolds (not bad, 107 miles in just over 6 hours, thanks for asking) then doing about 35 miles next day. I was expecting to have to ride steady, but found I had a lot more power in my legs than expected and was able to go pretty hard. Of course, whether that's all down to a couple of Zipvit bars is hard to tell, but I think it's an indication this product works for me.
Having said that, as with all nutrition products, whether this claim holds true for your own riding needs can only be assesses by a trial - but I recommend trying some of these bars to see if they work for you.
The ZV9 protein bars come in three flavours. I tried the Chocolate Caramel; the taste and soft texture was vaguely reminiscent of an old-style Milky Way bar. It was definitely tasty and easy to chew. Other favours include Chocolate Orange and Yoghurt-coated Banana Blueberry.
All Zipvit products can be bought at your local bike or tri shop, as well as from on-line stores. When it comes to cost, a 65g bar is £1.75 (boxes of 15 go for around £25), which is on a par with similar recovery products, although still not cheap. Zipvit reckon their stuff is worth the premium. As mentioned above, only by doing a couple of personal test-rides yourself will you know if it helps improve your own cycling, but based on my own experience I'd say these bars are well worth a try.
Verdict
Very tasty recovery product, at a fair-value price - well worth a try.
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Zipvit ZV9 protein recovery bar
Size tested: Chocolate Caramel
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?
The Zipvit website says: ' The great tasting Project ZV9 Protein+Bar promotes muscle recovery and strengthens the immune system. Before and after training each bar provides a full 19.7 grams of quality proteins. Great tasting, a moist bar rich in whey. Main benefits: Reduces recovery time, maintains a healthy immune system, accelerates refueling and promotes muscle repair.' I'm not sure if eating one of the bars *before* training would do you much good, but eating one afterwards certainly seems to help the cycling next day.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
9/10
Did you enjoy using the product? yes
Would you consider buying the product? yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? yes
Age: 50 Height: 5ft 10 / 178cm Weight: 11 stone / 70kg
I usually ride: an old Marin Alp My best bike is: an old Giant Cadex
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: A few times a week I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, club rides, sportives, mtb,
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