GELS

Not very many years ago this category didn't even exist. But, it seemed something inbetween Gatorade, Snickers, and a banana needed to be invented. The first out of the gate was Leppin, with its Squeezy product. This was all the rage among pro triathletes a decade ago, but before it could break out of the pro ranks and become ubiquitious among the rank-and-file, GU stormed the market.

Perhaps for defensive reasons, maybe because gels represent is a significant and growing market, everybody's thrown their hat into the ring. As was the case with fluid replacement, we'll do our best to sort them all out. Here are the players we've covered, and you'll find everything you need by clicking on the company, except the for taste test:


DISCUSSION AMONG THE COMPANIES' PRINCIPALS

(CLICK ON THE WORD "QUESTION" AND
GO TO THE PAGE WHERE IT'S ANSWERED
BY EACH OF THE COMPANIES)

QUESTION 1: If you were to compete in a half-Ironman, what would be your nutritional regimen during the race?

QUESTION 2: Why are gels typically sold in 100 calorie packets?

QUESTION 3: Are there new or different delivery systems on the horizon?

QUESTION 4: What is the life of a gel in its plastic container?