GU Chomps - Mini Review

As a kid, I could knock off a pack of jelly babies without too much effort and I am sure this could have been my very mild super power if it weren't for competing products like snakes, cobbers and bananas. They were a favourite food for this little tacker and I am pretty sure I was never short of energy while doing skids around the shops and fanging around back streets near my house. Ahh, the good old days - simple sugars, simple pleasures.

These days however, I need a little more to keep me going strong. Good food, water, drink mixes, gels and bars play a role - and I like the variety - but lately I've been taking some Gu Chomps along in my back pocket to see how they fare, and I am liking them.

First off, they are handy - the small Chomps pack has a tear off top, and the Chomps (being a little sticky) just seem to sit in the pack - rather than roll out - just waiting for energy starved fingers.

As a seasoned jelly baby hunter, this poses no challenge for me.

One packet is designed to provide enough energy for 1.5-2 hours of activity, and as it happens my roadie scum or dirt commutes to and from work run out at a little over an hour each way, so one serve is working out great (2 serves per pack). I find I can keep the pace on all the way, I can chase down (or stay with) most of my foes, I can keep out of the saddle on hills and find I'm not feeling smashed after these fun and furious hit outs. Chomps pass my short 'need some beans' test, and I look forward to trying them out on my (soon to be regular) mini-epic training rides. Great taste, and easy to eat. Just try and stop at one.

Product overview: There are four flavours - BLUEBERRY/POMEGRANATEA, ORANGE, STRAWBERRY and APPLE/CRANBERRY. GU Chomps contain amino acids, vitamin C & E, sodium, potassium and GU's exclusive blend of complex and simple carbohydrates. Compared to other chewy fuels, chomps have the least calories, least sugar, highest ratio complex-to-simple carbs, highest antioxidants, highest potassium, and is the only brand with amino acids. Chomps are also gluten-free.

GU Chomps, Roctane Gels, GU Gels and GU2O will be at the Mont this year and all available for sale at the GU TENT. Also, check your race bag for some free GU goodies to keep you on the rivet.