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review
Science In Sport Go Energy Caffeine Gel 2£10.99
VERDICT:
Provides a caffeine boost when you need it; tastes decent too
Weight:
425g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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Science in Sport's new Go Energy caffeine gel double Espresso flavour differs from other caffeinated gels in having 150mg of caffeine, compared to the opposition who tend to offer between 50-89g.
With this mighty boost you would expect to feel a pick up. The taste is not as over powering as you might think given the caffeine content and there is a definite lift in how you feel. You will need to restrict how many you use in a ride, though.
Beside the caffeine content the gels include 22g of carbohydrates. Science in Sport say the body needs 3-9mg of caffeine per kilo of body mass to affect performance. Caffeine can also act as a mental stimulant when you're tired, so a caffeine-loaded gel like this would be best taken towards the end of a long ride, a few hours from the end when fatigue is becoming a factor.
The all important taste: it isn't as harsh as I expected. Don't get me wrong I like coffee but sometimes the prospect of a double espresso can be a bit daunting. However the SiS Go Energy with caffeine is palatable without causing you to wince as you swallow; there is no bitter taste. I certainly haven't tried more than two on a long ride and I'm not sure you would need to. If you feel that fatigued I would suggest calling it a day.
Any energy regime needs to be supplemented with other products so despite the obvious benefits of the caffeine gels you will need to keep on top of your hydration. The SiS Go Energy gel does offer a boost but at £10.99 for six you are paying a premium price so keep in case of extreme fatigue.
Verdict
Provides a caffeine boost when you need it; tastes decent too
road.cc test report
Make and model: Science In Sport Go Energy + Caffeine Gel
Size tested: Double Espresso - 6x60ml
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
The SiS Go Energy Caffeine gel packs an energetic punch. With twice the amount of caffeine compared to the opposition you are certainly getting a boost. The flavour is good without being gut wrenching or making you wince.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Suitable for vegans
Ingredients are:
Water
Maltodextrin (from Maize)
Natural flavouring
Gelling agents
Acidity regulators
Caffeine
Preservatives
Sweeteners
Sodium Chloride
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
There is plenty of boost in the SiS Go Energy caffeine gel - recommendations suggest that you consume a gel one hour before or during exercise but a maximum of TWO per day. On this advice, you will need to think your strategy as to when you will best be served by it.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
At £10.99 for 6 you are paying a higher price for the pleasure.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
SiS have an extensive range and the Go Energy gel is one of their better flavours packed with a caffeine boost.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
A tasty flavour.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The cost and caffeine content will not suit everyone.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
If you are in need of a boost then you might reach for the SiS Go Energy gel. Be wary of the caffeine content and choose wisely when you want to use it - it does work though.
About the tester
Age: 45 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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