Hopefully you’ve gotten the word by now that on long bike rides you need to consume protein in addition to carbohydrates if you want to avoid muscle and brain fatigue (better known to cyclists as bonking or hitting the wall). To paraphrase a familiar verse of the Bible, “Cyclists do not live by carbohydrates alone.” One of the easiest ways to get the needed protein is to buy a carbohydrate gel with protein already in it. Unfortunately, most energy gels that include protein taste rather dreadful. A couple of years ago PacificHealth Laboratories (the creators of Accelerade) introduced 2nd Surge Ultra Energy Gel and it not only tastes great, but has carbohydrates, electrolytes, proteins, caffeine and antioxidants.
2nd Surge Ultra Energy Gel
I always carry a few packages of 2nd Surge with me on longer rides. The truth is that I was hooked with the first package I tried! The chocolate gel is very smooth and has a rich chocolate flavor. Most (but not all) of the other chocolate gels I’ve tried over the years tasted like artificial chocolate, but 2nd Surge is the real deal. Each package of 2nd Surge has 90 calories and includes 18g of carbohydrate, 3g of protein and 100mg of caffeine.
2nd Surge is an all-natural energy gel. I hate giving a long list of ingredients in a product review, but the ingredient list in 2nd Surge is rather impressive. The ingredients include: Agave Syrup, Brown Rice Syrup, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Water, Whey Protein Isolate, Glycerin, Pea Protein Isolate, Cocoa, Natural Flavors, Green Tea Extract, d-alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Salt, Grape, Pomegranate, Mangosteen, Goji Berry, Blueberry, Chokeberry, Cranberry, Apple and Bilberry Extracts.
At the moment this product is only available in two flavors: Chocolate and Double Expresso. I love the chocolate gel and the local bike shop always keeps it in stock for me. For the record, I did not try the Double Expresso, mainly because I have never been a fan of any food product that has the word expresso (or espresso) in the title. I hope PacificHealth Laboratories adds a few new flavors before long.
A box of eight packages of 2nd Surge retails for $16 and is available on the PacificHealth Laboratories Website. On the other hand, you could just have your local bike shop order it for you—you will pay the same price but will save the cost of shipping. In addition, your local bike shop might be willing to keep this product in stock for you as well!
Claire Martin
April 29, 2013 at 5:51 AM
how do you find these compare with honey stinger chews (energy boost wise?)
All Seasons Cyclist
April 29, 2013 at 11:11 PM
Both product are fantastic! Honey Stinger has a far wider selection of flavors and I use them a lot. However, on ride of 2 hours or more I always take something with protein — and this is product is great for that.
Cycling Dayton
April 29, 2013 at 6:41 AM
Did you say double espresso? Je suis pour !
All Seasons Cyclist
April 29, 2013 at 11:11 PM
For those who enjoy living on the edge!
exmaschine
April 29, 2013 at 9:01 AM
Good info as always! I too started to ingest a bit of protein on my rides last year, when I began longer rides with a lot of ascent. I’ll stop and buy a couple of bananas. Or a yogurt or even a stick or two of string cheese. Once in a while I will find a deli or cafe and have a grilled cheese with tomato. (great mid or post ride snack- carbs, protein and licopene)
If there are no food stops around, I bring protein bars as well as gels with me. Found it to be just what I needed to keep going, but also helped with recovery. In addition, when I return home, immediately I drink a whey shake with a teaspoon of creatine mixed in. All but eliminated any DOMS issues. And ready to go instead of needing 1-2 days of rest.
All Seasons Cyclist
April 29, 2013 at 11:13 PM
Gels like 2nd Surge are just so easy to carry AND they are very easy on the stomach as well. And you are right about the protein helping with your recovery time.
Joy
April 29, 2013 at 12:55 PM
I’ll have to try it! I like the fact that it’s all natural and that I know what all the ingredients are. Thanks.
All Seasons Cyclist
April 29, 2013 at 11:14 PM
Liek I menthioned above, this product is also very easy on your stomach as well.
Irish Katie
April 29, 2013 at 9:00 PM
Chooooocooolatteeeee. Mmmmmm. Errr….what if I just ate it as a snack? lol.
But nods on the protein….I have found on long rides even if I eat a protein bar it will take a while to take effect so to speak. i think being a gel/liquid gets it into your system quicker?
All Seasons Cyclist
April 29, 2013 at 11:17 PM
I hate to tell you, but if you just eat this as a snack you going to get, well, (how do I say this politely?), let’s just say that you might have to start shopping for new clothes (larger ones). However, if you take this product while on a bike ride you will probably be able to go on longer rides, recover faster, and wear your skinny jeans. And yes, most gels move the carbs and protein into your system faster (which is one of the main reasons I take them).
Irish Katie
April 30, 2013 at 7:37 AM
What the heck is skinny jeans? *smirkles*
At any rate, it also looks thinner (the packet)….so could fit in my seat bag better too. Win!
By the way, have you ever heard of an energy drink called FPS (or something like that). I had it on a bike ride event once. It tasted awesomely good … but I know nothing else about it. I looked on-line and only saw endorsements … but they were all from the product site. I’m also not a big energy drink fan … so was wondering.
isaac976
April 30, 2013 at 8:24 AM
I am still much a honey stinger guy .. love the taste love the texture.
All Seasons Cyclist
May 1, 2013 at 10:48 PM
You will never hear me say anything bad about Honey Stinger products! I couldn’t live without Honey Stinger Waffles!
isaac976
May 1, 2013 at 11:10 PM
Love em to bits . hope they come out with more new flavors.. High 5 !!