Best Energy Gels for Cycling Events

Cycling events place unique demands on your fuelling strategy. Whether you are lining up for a local sportive, a long gravel race, or an all-day endurance challenge, your energy intake can make the difference between riding strong and limping home.

Energy gels remain one of the most efficient ways to deliver carbohydrates quickly, without disrupting your rhythm on the bike.

Why Energy Gels Work So Well for Cyclists

On the bike, convenience is everything. You need fuel that is:

• Easy to carry in jersey pockets
• Simple to open with one hand
• Quick to absorb
• Gentle on the stomach at high intensity

Most energy gels deliver between 20g and 30g of carbohydrates per serving, designed to top up glycogen stores and maintain blood glucose levels. For cycling events lasting longer than 90 minutes, aiming for 60g to 90g of carbohydrate per hour is a proven strategy, particularly when riding at race pace.

Modern gels often use dual carbohydrate sources, typically glucose and fructose, to increase absorption rates and reduce gut discomfort. This is especially important in longer events where consistent fuelling is key.

What to Look for in a Cycling Energy Gel

Not all gels are created equal. When choosing the right option for your event, consider:

Carbohydrate content per gel: For shorter events or as part of a mixed fuelling strategy, 20g to 25g may be enough. For longer or harder efforts, 30g or more per gel can make hitting hourly targets easier.

Texture and consistency: Thinner gels are easier to take without water, ideal during intense climbs or technical sections. Thicker gels may feel more substantial but often require a sip of fluid.

Caffeine options: Caffeine can enhance alertness and perceived effort, particularly in the later stages of a race.

Gut tolerance: This is individual. Testing gels in training is essential before race day.

Here are some great gels for your next ride:

OTE Super Gel

The OTE Super Gel delivers 40g of carbohydrate per sachet, making it a strong option for cyclists aiming for higher hourly carb targets.

It uses a dual carbohydrate blend and includes electrolytes, helping support both energy delivery and hydration during longer rides. The smooth texture makes it easier to consume without excessive water, which is useful during intense efforts or when bottles are low.

SiS Beta Fuel Gel

SiS Beta Fuel Gel contains 40g of carbohydrate using a scientifically researched 1:0.8 glucose to fructose ratio. This ratio is designed to increase carbohydrate absorption while reducing gastrointestinal discomfort when consuming large amounts per hour.

For cyclists pushing race pace or riding at threshold for extended periods, this can make a noticeable difference. The consistency is smoother than traditional thick gels, and it is designed to be consumed without needing excessive water.

STYRKR GEL50

STYRKR GEL50 delivers a substantial 50g of carbohydrate per gel, making it one of the highest-carb single sachets available. 

Using a dual-carb blend, it is designed for athletes targeting aggressive fuelling strategies of 90g per hour or more. For cyclists in long-distance events, ultras or multi-hour gravel races, fewer sachets with higher carb content can simplify logistics and reduce packaging waste in pockets.

FAQs

Is 90g of carbs per hour necessary for cycling?

Not always. It depends on intensity and duration. Higher intensities benefit more from higher carb intake.

Are 50g gels too much for one serving?

Not if your gut is trained. Many endurance cyclists now successfully use high-carb gels as part of modern fuelling strategies.

Should I use gels or drink mix for cycling?

Many cyclists combine both. Gels provide precision and convenience, while drink mixes help contribute to overall carbohydrate and fluid intake.

Summary

For cycling events, higher-carb gels often make the most sense.

The best gel is the one that allows you to consistently hit your carbohydrate target without stomach issues. Test in training, plan your intake, and fuel proactively.

If you want to dial in your exact carb needs for your next sportive or race, use our Nutrition Calculator to work out what you need.