The one your stomach tolerates wins.
Cyclingnews' pick for most people in most situations.
Skip if you want the most carbs per gel: look at the Beta Fuel.
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Cyclingnews' pick for easy digestion.
Cyclingnews' equal-best for fuel intake.
Cyclingnews' equal-best for fuel intake, and it's priced like it.
Cyclingnews' pick for flavour choice.
Many riders aim for somewhere around 60 to 90 g of carbohydrate an hour on long rides. Build up gradually in training.
A gel that suits one rider can upset another. Test in training, never first on race day.
Isotonic gels are easier to take without much water. More concentrated gels pack more carbs but need fluid.
Some gels add caffeine, which can help late in a long ride. Check how you tolerate it first.
Usually not. Rides under about an hour are normally fine on breakfast and water.
It depends on how many grams of carbohydrate each gel contains and how long you ride. Check the label and plan to start fuelling early.
Gels are compact and quick. Bars and drink mixes suit steadier fuelling, and many riders combine them.
Cyclingnews also calls homemade gel by far the most cost-effective option. Picks draw on independent tests: Cyclingnews: Best energy gels 2026. RRPs are as published in those tests.