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Energy gums have become a go-to fuel source for athletes seeking a quick yet enduring boost during workouts and races. Combining convenience with effective delivery of caffeine and carbs, energy gums offer an easy way to maintain focus and stamina without the mess of gels or the bulk of bars. Whether you’re hitting the trails, cycling long distances, or gearing up for a race, choosing the right chew can make all the difference. This article explores seven of the best energy gums and gummies on the market, comparing their caffeine content, flavors, and best uses to help you maximize your performance.
Energy gums are chewable supplements designed to provide a fast-acting source of energy, primarily through caffeine and carbohydrates. Unlike traditional energy gels or bars, gums are semi-solid and easy to consume without water, making them ideal for athletes on the move.
Energy gums have several benefits, including quick absorption, portability, and no sticky residues. They help maintain alertness and delay fatigue, which is why caffeine gums are a popular choice among runners and cyclists looking for a targeted energy boost without a heavy stomach.
Honey Stinger gummies are certified organic energy gummies known for their natural ingredients and clean nutrition. They include both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options, making them versatile for various endurance sports.
Skratch labs gummies focus on real fruit flavors and a simple ingredient list, offering energy gummy chews that provide fast carbs and mild caffeine doses ideal for mid-ride or mid-run fueling.
ProBar gummies combine dense energy release with great taste and organic sugars. Their energy gummies with caffeine variety provide consistent boosts, favored especially by cycling enthusiasts for long rides.
While GU is known for gels, their caffeine gums deliver a precise amount of caffeine in a small package, popular among athletes who want control over their caffeine intake without ingesting calories.
These gums are bite-sized and easy to chew, offering a dependable energy gummy chew with moderate caffeine that’s well-suited for runners needing quick, hands-free fuel.
Run Gum is specifically formulated to deliver caffeine and taurine via chewing gum, providing rapid delivery of stimulants useful for short bursts of energy during runs or rides.
Clif Bloks offer energy gummies for running and cycling with a balanced mix of carbs and electrolytes, often infused with caffeine to energize athletes over challenging distances.
Caffeine content varies from brand to brand, generally ranging from 20mg to 50mg per serving. For example, Honey Stinger’s caffeinated gummies can offer about 40mg per serving, while Skratch gummies contain lower caffeine doses, favoring a gentler boost.
If you need a strong, long-lasting alertness boost, opting for energy gummies with caffeine closer to 40-50mg per serving may be best. For those sensitive to caffeine or taking energy gums earlier in a workout, lower caffeine gums or caffeine-free energy gummies are better options.
Flavor choice can impact how likely you are to reach for your energy fuel mid-activity. Honey Stinger gummies offer fruit-forward flavors like citrus splash and pomegranate passionfruit, while Skratch labs gummies are praised for natural, lightly sweetened fruit flavors. ProBar and Clif Bloks tend to feature berry and tropical flavors that appeal to a broad range of tastes.
Flavor fatigue is a real issue; athletes often avoid energy gels if they're too sweet or artificial-tasting. Energy gums and energy gummy chews typically have more balanced flavor profiles, making them easier to consume repeatedly during training or races.
Running gummies with caffeine are excellent when you want a mess-free, quick-acting energy source. They’re small, portable, and easy to chew on the move. Popular options include Skratch gummies and Clif Bloks, which are designed specifically for running endurance.
For cycling, where fueling continuity is crucial, energy gums with caffeine from brands like ProBar and Honey Stinger offer sustained energy release, helping maintain focus and endurance throughout long rides.
Organic energy gums such as Honey Stinger provide natural ingredients without artificial flavors or preservatives, appealing to athletes who prioritize clean nutrition. These chews often use certified organic sugars and fruit juices, which can aid digestion and reduce upset.
Using organic and simple ingredients in energy gummy chews can reduce the risk of GI discomfort and provide a more pleasant energy boost experience, especially for long-distance athletes.
Energy gums tend to be firmer and designed to be chewed thoroughly, often delivering caffeine more directly through buccal absorption. Energy gummies, typically softer, focus on carbohydrate delivery, providing glucose for sustained power.
If rapid caffeine delivery is the priority, caffeine gums are the better option. For longer-term fueling, energy gummies for running or cycling may better suit your needs with their carb-focused profiles and enjoyable texture.
Energy gums are a versatile and efficient fueling option for athletes seeking long-lasting energy boosts without sacrificing convenience or taste. If you have tried brands like Honey Stinger, Skratch Labs, ProBar, and others provide a variety of energy gums and energy gummies with caffeine, ensuring options for every preference and activity, from running to cycling - perhaps give FTP Endurance Fuel Energy Pastilles a try. By understanding their caffeine content, flavor profiles, and intended use, you can select the perfect energy gummy chews to support your training and competition goals. Ready to find the best energy gums for your next workout? Explore these top picks and fuel your performance smarter, faster, and cleaner.
Making the switch to a tubeless tyres setup can reduce flats and improve your ride quality, but it requires a few specific items and a bit of know-how. This guide breaks down everything you'll need to successfully get started.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following core components:
* Tubeless-Ready Wheels: Your rims must be designed to work with tubeless tires. If your wheels have spoke holes, you'll also need tubeless rim tape.
* Tubeless Tires: Use tires specifically labeled as "tubeless-ready" or "TL" (Tubeless). They have a reinforced bead that forms an airtight seal with the rim.
* Tubeless Valves: These valves have a rubber base that seals against the rim's valve hole. They also typically come with a locknut to secure them in place.
* Sealant: This is the key to tubeless technology. The liquid sealant coats the inside of your tire, and when a small puncture occurs, it rushes to the hole and seals it from the inside.
* A High-Volume Pump or Compressor: Seating a tubeless tire bead requires a quick burst of air to pop it into place. A floor pump with a high-volume chamber, a CO2 cartridge, or an air compressor is highly recommended for this step.
Tools for a Smooth Installation
Having the right tools can turn a frustrating installation into a seamless process.
* Tire Levers and/or a Bead Jack: Tubeless tires often have a tight fit. A good set of tire levers will help, but a tire bead jack can be a lifesaver for particularly stubborn tires.
* Valve Core Remover Tool: This small tool is essential for easily adding sealant through the valve stem and for cleaning or replacing valve cores.
* Sealant Injector Syringe: While some sealants come in bottles with an applicator tip, a dedicated syringe makes it easy to measure the exact amount of sealant you need and inject it without a mess.
Your On-the-Road Repair Kit
Even with a tubeless setup, it's wise to carry a few items for roadside emergencies.
* Tubeless Tire Plugs ("Bacon Strips"): For larger cuts that sealant can't handle, these sticky plugs are a quick fix to get you home.
* A Mini Pump or CO2 Cartridges: Use these to re-inflate your tire after a puncture and to top off air pressure on the go.
* A Spare Tube: For a catastrophic failure, such as a large sidewall tear, a regular tube is your ultimate backup plan. Consider carrying a lightweight TPU tube, which can be more compact.
* Multi-Tool: A basic bike multi-tool with a chain breaker and a few hex keys is always a good idea.
Switching to a tubeless setup is one of the best upgrades you can make to your bike, but it does require a little bit of preparation and patience. Once you have all the necessary components and tools ready to go, you can follow these step-by-step instructions to get your tubeless wheels ready to ride.
Step 1: Prep the Wheel
Start with a clean and dry wheel. If your wheels already have rim tape, make sure it’s a tubeless-ready type. If not, or if your rim tape is old and damaged, you'll need to install a new layer of tubeless tape. This tape is essential for creating an airtight seal.
To install the tape, find the valve hole on your rim and begin wrapping the tape two spoke holes to the side of it. Keep the tape taut as you press it down firmly in the center of the rim bed. Overlap the start and end of the tape by about four to six inches. Once you’re done, use a small, sharp object to carefully puncture a hole through the tape at the valve hole.
Step 2: Install the Valve Stem
Insert the tubeless valve stem through the valve hole from the inside of the rim. Place the included O-ring and locknut onto the valve stem on the outside of the rim. Hand-tighten the locknut until it's snug. Don’t overtighten it, as this can damage the rubber base and prevent an airtight seal.
Step 3: Mount the Tire
Mount one side of the tire bead onto the rim. You can do this by hand for most tires, but if the fit is tight, you may need a tire lever. Next, carefully slide the other side of the tire bead onto the rim, leaving a small gap at the top to pour in your sealant.
Step 4: Add Sealant
Before fully mounting the tire, it’s time to add the sealant. There are two common methods for this:
* Pouring directly into the tire: This is a simple method. Simply pour the recommended amount of sealant directly into the tire at the opening you left. Then, finish mounting the tire bead onto the rim. This can be a bit messy, but it works well.
* Injecting through the valve stem: This is a much cleaner method. To do this, you'll need a valve core remover and a sealant injector syringe. Using the valve core remover, unscrew and remove the valve core from the valve stem. Attach the sealant syringe and inject the recommended amount of sealant directly into the tire through the valve stem. Once the sealant is in, re-install the valve core and make sure it’s tight.
Step 5: Seat the Tire Bead
This is the most critical and often most challenging step. The goal is to get the tire's beads to “pop” into the rim's bead shelf, creating a firm, airtight seal.
To do this, use a high-volume pump, air compressor, or CO2 cartridge. Inflate the tire with a rapid burst of air. You should hear a series of loud pops or pings as the tire bead snaps into place. Continue to inflate the tire to a higher pressure (around 30-40 psi) to ensure both sides of the bead are fully seated.
If you are struggling to get the tire to seat, you can try these tricks:
* Add a bit of soapy water to the tire beads to help them slide into place more easily.
* Bounce the tire gently while inflating to help the sealant spread and the bead settle.
Step 6: Shake and Spin
Once the tire is seated, give the wheel a good spin and a vigorous shake. This helps the sealant coat the inside walls of the tire and seal any small gaps or punctures that may be present. This step is what activates the self-sealing property of the tubeless system.
Step 7: Final Check and Air Pressure
Check for any hissing sounds, which would indicate a leak. If you hear a small leak, lay the wheel flat on a bucket, rotate it a few times to get the sealant to that area, and let it sit for a few minutes. If it's a larger leak, you may need to re-inflate and re-shake.
Once you are sure the tire is sealed, you can deflate it to your desired riding pressure. Remember, a major benefit of going tubeless is being able to ride with lower pressures for improved grip and comfort.
Now you're ready to hit the trail or road with confidence. What kind of riding are you most looking forward to with your new tubeless setup?
Energy chews are revolutionizing the way athletes fuel their bodies during endurance sports. If you’re an athlete looking for rapid, convenient energy sources to help you push through long races or intense workouts, energy chews might just be the solution. These small, portable chews provide a quick burst of carbohydrates, which can help sustain your energy levels and enhance performance, especially during demanding activities like marathons, Ironman races, or long cycling events.
Energy chews are compact, chewable snacks designed to deliver a rapid source of energy during physical activity. Typically made from a blend of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and sometimes additional nutrients, these chews are extremely effective for athletes participating in endurance sports. Unlike energy gels, which have a liquid form, energy chews offer a solid snack option that can be easily consumed on the go.
Carbohydrates are essential for fueling prolonged physical effort. They help maintain blood glucose levels, which can drop during long sessions of endurance sports. Consuming energy chews, such as Clif Bloks or energy gummies, allows athletes to replenish carbohydrates easily and effectively. Here's why incorporating these into your routine can be valuable:
Energy chews often contain several key ingredients that enhance their effectiveness:
When it comes to endurance sports, the right nutrition can make a significant difference. Here are the key advantages of using energy chews:
There are several types of energy chews available, each with various formulations. Some noteworthy mentions include:
Energy chews can be beneficial during various moments in your endurance activities:
Integrating energy chews into your training and competitive routine is simple:
Energy chews offer a practical and effective way to fuel your body during endurance sports. Their convenience, rapid energy delivery, and versatility make them an essential part of any athlete’s nutrition plan. By incorporating energy chews, such as Clif Bloks or Maurten, into your routine, you can enhance your performance and ensure you have the energy to reach your goals. Ready to take your endurance to the next level? Explore the wide variety of energy chews available to find the ones that work best for you!
Wondering how many gels you need for a marathon? The answer: none. Discover why FTP Endurance Fuel chews are a tastier, easier, stomach-friendly alternative.
Welcome to the FTP Endurance Fuel blog! Whether you’re preparing for your inaugural half marathon or striving to achieve a personal record, proper nutrition is essential. This comprehensive guide delves into strategies for optimizing your performance during the 13.1-mile challenge and highlights how our Tart Cherry Energy Pastilles can sustain your energy levels. Let’s explore!
Why Fueling Matters for Half Marathons
Many runners skip fueling during a half marathon, thinking it’s unnecessary for 13.1 miles. While you can finish without extra carbs, you won’t perform at your peak, especially when glycogen stores dip around 80–90 minutes. At moderate to hard paces, your body burns carbs faster, making mid-race fuel essential to maintain blood glucose, delay fatigue, and boost performance.
A solid nutrition plan, alongside training and pacing, can turn a grueling race into a triumphant one. Our Tart Cherry Energy Pastilles (1.02kg, £40) offer 30g carbs per serving to keep you energised!
How to Fuel Your Half Marathon
Timing and Amount
Aim to consume 30–60g of carbs per hour, starting after 30–45 minutes. For a 2-hour half marathon, that’s 60–120g total—about 2–4 servings of our pastilles (each 34g with 30g carbs). Test this during training to find your sweet spot.
• Early Race (0–45 mins): Rely on stored glycogen.
• Mid-Race (45–90 mins): Take 1–2 pastilles (30–60g carbs) to maintain energy.
• Late Race (90+ mins): Add another serving to push through the finish.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Opt for easily digestible carbs to avoid stomach issues. Our pastilles, made with glucose and fructose, are designed for quick absorption. The natural tart cherry flavor also aids recovery, setting you apart from sticky gels or bars.
• Pro Tip: Carry pastilles in the reusable pouch—less waste, more convenience!
Real-Life Lessons
I once forgot my fuel at a race bag drop, but a friend’s spare pastilles saved the day. Always have a backup plan—our bulk pack ensures you’re never short!
Join the FTP Endurance Fuel Community
Fuel your half marathon with FTP Endurance Fuel! Our pastilles support your training and race day, with sustainable packaging to match your values. Preorder now at Tart Cherry Energy Pastilles and enter our Canyon Aeroad bike competition!
Got questions? Drop them below or DM @FTPEnduranceFuel on Instagram. Let’s conquer those 13.1 miles together!
FTP, or Functional Threshold Power, is a measure of the highest power output you can sustain for about an hour, expressed in watts. It reflects your body’s ability to balance lactate production and clearance—think of it as the sweet spot where you can push hard without burning out too soon. For cyclists, FTP is a vital benchmark to set training zones and pace yourself during long efforts, like marathons or gran fondos.