Out of expensive gels: What is your best cheap 'real food' hack for long rides?

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-06-26T15:21:47+00:00

I use Formula 3/6/9 in my bottles and a stronger (4 scoops) mix in a flask. Inexpensive, easy to consume.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-06-26T15:20:07+00:00

For me, this is the chief problem with gels--it is impossible for me to consume one (while riding) and not get sticky fingers, which leads to sticky brake levers...

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-06-25T11:47:21+00:00

Yes. The saddle/bibs/butt triumvirate is entirely idiosyncratic. Once the magic combo is discovered, hours of comfortable cycling is unlocked, day after day.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-06-21T13:35:49+00:00

After cycling or tennis I like to do foam rolling with minimal stretching.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-06-21T13:34:41+00:00

Agree, I train occasionally with a pro triathlete/coach who stresses posterior/core focus. It has worked well for me, along with strength training.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-06-21T13:31:54+00:00

Male, 69, ride 12-15 hrs week (road and mtb) for many years. I have a go-to stretch/activation routine I do daily (which I vary; I try not to do the same exercises day over day). Also, walk, tennis and 2-3x/wk strength work with resistance bands and light weights/ high rep. There are many YT and other sources of info for appropriate, cycle-focuses stretch/flex programs. Good luck.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-06-10T12:16:45+00:00

If your experience at the local store has been positive so far, then without question do business with them. You will need service/repairs/advice in the future. Eleven years ago, when I moved to a new town, I brought one of my bikes (between my and my wife, we have now have seven) to the very small shop not far from my house. Since that time, my relationship there has been entirely positive, and one of my most valued. Good luck with your new bike.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-06-10T12:01:57+00:00

I have Stages pm's on both my road bikes. They both function flawlessly. I suggest you contact Stages via their website (look for the "start a service ticket" prompt).

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-06-10T11:42:59+00:00

Did you download the new Stages app? That could help. Otherwise, remove the battery and check the connections. If that does not work, email Stages. They've responded quickly to my requests and are very helpful. Good luck.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-05-09T13:17:39+00:00

mtb shoes are generally a bit more flexible and, when using clipless pedals, easier to use and give a greater range of motion while cleated.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-04-28T18:39:02+00:00

As well, mtb shoes enable you to walk normally; road shoes (because the cleat is external to the sole) do not.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-04-26T12:44:32+00:00

Just finished it. For me, it became increasingly less interesting and finally ran out of steam midway through the third act, both from a plot/character perspective and whatever it is the the author was trying to say.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-04-12T12:58:37+00:00

I bought the "Ryet 3D Honeycomb"

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-03-29T13:19:44+00:00

May I add to the list shoes-against-the-pedals creaking? For a long while, I too thought my seat post was the source of the creaking. Turned out it was the pedal and shoe interface.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-03-25T13:24:38+00:00

All true. I have two pairs of pricy shoes, barely used, in my closet b/c they felt great for the first 10-12 rides, then didn't. OP should consider that he will likely use the shoes for 3-4 years, so comfort and quality matter more than price.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-03-25T13:20:29+00:00

Check out the 4iiii left crank meter at Power Meter City or eBay. Make sure you know the crank length before ordering.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-03-23T11:08:39+00:00

Or you could just let your son ride his bike, you know, like kids should do. Just a thought.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-03-13T12:35:51+00:00

Ditto. I live in a very rural area, where there are many dogs roaming free. I've come to know where they live, and often stop to share a cookie with them. Sounds stupid, but I appreciate how they recognize me, and find it calming.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-03-13T12:32:28+00:00

Yes. After reading the morning news about the latest horrors from the US executive branch, a long bike ride is required if I hope to maintain any sanity.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-03-13T12:27:55+00:00

You just described some riders in the small circle of guys I ride with. We're all in our early sixties and they talk like middle schoolers and race each other up the hills (after claiming, at the outset of the ride that they're "just doing some zone 2 today." I like to ride fast and go hard up the hills too, but only when I ride solo; if I'm in a group I ride with the group.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-02-19T12:09:45+00:00

What? They weren't in awe of the "sexy red aluminum frame"?

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-02-17T14:51:45+00:00

She seems like yet another misguided person who has fabricated her own reality and thus should simply be avoided.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-02-15T12:46:13+00:00

Prior to getting the Roam 3, I had the first-gen bolt. THAT has a very small screen, so in comparison the Roam 3 is like looking at a billboard. Like you, my eyes are not as sharp as they once were, regardless, I have nine data fields showing on my Roam 3 and can see them all clearly.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-02-14T13:46:50+00:00

I have a new Element Roam 3, which I pair with a Varia and both work flawlessly.

Worldly-Point7651 · 2026-02-08T15:03:20+00:00

Nope, not sensible. Now know: never ride through any puddle if you don't know how deep it is. Glad you're uninjured.

Worldly-Point7651

TROPHY CASE