I do find most modern energy drinks look and taste much the same - translucent, but varying in colour from insipid to frankly radioactive and acidic to the extent that they need watering down to make them palatable and non-emetic. Some of the hype surrounding energy drinks is both confusing, and like the many of the products, apt to leave a bad taste in one's mouth.
A chance tweet and a brief conversation with co-founder of Elivar, Donal Hanrahan, introduced me to a world of cycling nutrition I thought I'd never visit. The philosophy behind Elivar is simple - as we get older, our bodies need different fuels to run on and Elivar claim their products are a "tailored Nutrition System" aimed at athletes over 35 years of age, an increasing market these days with the rise in popularity in cycling alone.
Elivar's products contain a blend of carbs supplemented with calcium, vitamins and other goodies designed to work with the metabolism of the mature athlete. There have been 'proper' reviews done on their products examining all the science and stuff, but I've always been more impressed with performance in the practice as opposed to potential. I had a couple of sportives coming up so I gave their Endure and Recover products a go.
Endure was a revelation. Opaque and flavoursome, albeit in a mildly sweet way - more reminiscent of a protein shake than a drink aimed at quenching a thirst. It reminded me specifically of fruit flavoured Angel Delight (obviously, before it's set in the fridge). On a longer ride, I would even consider diluting it down slightly further than the recommended one-packet-500ml-water ratio to give it more thirst quenching properties.
I had none of the digestive or heartburn issues I often have supping other brands, and felt no need to reach round for an energy gel or any solid fuels to munch on, which is just as well as my poorly shoulder makes such seemingly simple tasks an uncomfortable ordeal. The Elivar bottle was also good to drink from and didn't rattle about in my bottle cage, nor did I find it too hard to remove for frequent sips, which has been an issue for me of late with my damaged ribs.
This is all well and good, but if it doesn't do anything special, then what's the point? I actually found it amazingly beneficial. I thought I was imagining it - my first ride out was on a pair of carbon clinchers I was testing, and attributed some of my zip to them - but subsequent rides and impartial observations (my ride partner is convinced I've been doing secret hill training) confirmed a difference in my speed and endurance.
Whether it was some placebo effect, or the fact that I was mindful to take constant sips from my bottle, I felt none of the flatness I'd been feeling of late, and that battles against gravity were more tipped in my favour while fuelled by the Endure.
Post ride, I'm using Recover - it mixes well, tastes good and I have had no real experience of delayed onset muscle stiffness (DOMS). I felt I'd been working hard on my rides and I was expecting more than a little soreness, none of which seems to have materialised.
I have stocked up on Endure, but alas have run out of Recover and had to resort to another brand I didn't enjoy so much. I understand that the range of flavours is to be expanded, which is welcome news as not everyone likes chocolate.
For more information about Elivar and a free sample, visit www.elivar.com
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