I drink NUUN only while riding. I would categorize it as a "sports drink" in that it provides electrolytes that you lose while riding and tastes like something besides water. From what I have read about other people who drink it, they are doing so to get their lost electrolytes from something that doesn't contain many calories because they prefer to eat their calories rather than drink them. So, yeah, I think you're right.

Since it contains some sodium bicarb, you are going to get fizz from it. I think they added that ingredient to keep your stomach settled. It works. If I drink anything else besides water while riding I will lose my stomach... or cramp.

 

Nuun allows you to manage your hydration and electrolytes independently of your caloric intake. This is important if you're doing longer rides, not so much if you're only in the saddle for an hour or two at a time.

 

Like others have said, its to allow you to control your caloric intake independently of your hydration. I find when riding hard I would rather have calories in my drink as well so usually use cytomax or gatorade

 

Been using it (lemon lime) for years and basically just what the others said about eating vs drinking calories. I also use it at spin class during the off season since that's such a major sweat-fest.

I'll also add:

• It has a hint of a "Bromo-Seltzer" or "Alka-Seltzer" to the taste since it's an effervescent tablet. It doesn't but me but it bothers others.
• It doesn't gunk up your bike or you if you spill it.
• Unlike water, you can't spray on head to cool down on hot day...at least I won't.

About burping, that's funny. I've always burped like a proverbial truck driver when riding. Nuun didn't seem to make it any better or worse. I still need to make sure I don't scare any elderly or children when I unleash one.

 

On longer rides, 50+ miles, I take three bottles; one with plain water, one with Hammer Fizz (similar to Nuun), and one with GU Electrolyte Brew. This mix of products keeps the taste buds interested while keeping me hydrated, and the water gives me something to drink and dump over the head if it gets too hot.

 

Besides what others have said, I personnaly think the Nuun tablet stuff is still drinkable when the bottle gets hot. Trying drinking gatorade or something similar when its 110F+ outside. The stuff tastes nasty.

 

Totally agree

Also, you can put some NUUN in your pocket (in a bag of course) and then put some in at your water refill spot. It's small and lite. Doing that with any kind of powder is just asking for a mess.

Also remember NUUN is not a substitute for your calories like others have said. You need to carry gels or something.

 

I use nuun. It's not so much a matter of thinking Nuun is so great but one of thinking other sports drinks such as Gatoraid are disgusting.

 

few calories



Its really hard to tell how effective one sports drink is versus another. I started using Nuun instead of Gatorade to get rid of all the sugar and calories. I don't think my riding performance has changed but again its hard to tell. I assume the effervescence is mostly a gimmick but maybe there's a reason for it

 

Its really hard to tell how effective one sports drink is versus another. I started using Nuun instead of Gatorade to get rid of all the sugar and calories. I don't think my riding performance has changed but again its hard to tell. I assume the effervescence is mostly a gimmick but maybe there's a reason for it

Are you getting your calories from another source now when riding long distances?

 

To each his own, but I think Nuun tastes nasty. Tried it, hated it.

 

I like Nuun lemom lime, and the new iced tea. Mix 'em and I have an Arnold Palmer! I like that I can tweak the concentration, important for me, as I sweat a lot. I use 2 or 2.5 tabs in a 24 oz bottle.

 

I like Gu Brew more than Nuun personally... but.... the baking soda is there mainly to allow it to rapidly dissolve and mix with the water -- no shaking involved.

Sort of like Alka-Seltzer cold medicine.

I like the Nuun/Gu Brew for its sole purpose for hydration. For energy... I got gels, waffles, etc.

 

It's a lot of $ per serving... read the actual ingredients / nutrition info on the label (you'll need a magnifying glass) and you'll see that the formula is nothing special... same with most bike-shop sports drinks.

You're paying for marketing and convenience, if that's worth it to you.

Me, I've been using this formula for the past 2 summers, works for me.

Rehydration drinks

 

It's a lot of $ per serving... read the actual ingredients / nutrition info on the label (you'll need a magnifying glass) and you'll see that the formula is nothing special... same with most bike-shop sports drinks.

You're paying for marketing and convenience, if that's worth it to you.

Me, I've been using this formula for the past 2 summers, works for me.

Rehydration drinks

It's 50 cents. I got that kind of cash.

 

yeah, but does it come in Kona Cola or Fruit Punch?

 

Mine usually tastes like OJ because I throw a bit in there for flavor. Sometimes though, it tastes like iced coffee, especially if it's an early ride and I remember to mix it up the night before.

 

I've tried gatorade while riding and I don't know if it's just me, but it makes my saliva in my mouth extremely thick and nasty even with drinking water after. Does nuun or gu brew do this? I routinely ride 50+ miles so I would like something more substantial than water while going long distances.

 

I have the same problem with gatoraid but no such problem with NUUN. However, I should note I mix one tablet per 24 oz of water. maybe a higher concentration would be different. Never tried gu brew.
Nuun is barely "more substantial" than water but the way if by substantial you mean calories.