Submitted by
Jennifer
a Cross Country Rider
from Jamaica Date Reviewed: May 28, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2.00
Purchased At:
Downtown bicycles
Strengths:
organic, natural, great taste
Bottom Line:
it works
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Almaden Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Coe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
Sports Basement
Strengths:
This is for the Dbl Expresso flavor only: It tastes the best of any of the gooey stuff out there. The espresso in it really helps to cut down the insane sweetness that the other flavors/brands all have.
Weaknesses:
Unless you like a mouthful of epoxy, the texture still sucks
Similar Products Used:
Power Gel, Gu, Other Clif Shot flavors
Bike Setup:
Fisher Tassajara, stock except for XT rear derailleur, WTB Pure V Seat, and Velociraptors
Bottom Line:
Of all the quick energy products out there, the Clif Dbl Expresso Shot is my favorite and the only goo style that I'll use. I's the only one that doesn't taste like diabetes in a tube.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Jersey City, NJ Date Reviewed: August 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Taste!!!! is there really anything else?
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Rush XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
This is the best carb shot I've ever tried and will not really try anything else because these are so good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: July 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
National--south mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1.00
Strengths:
Taste
Similar Products Used:
Hammer Gel, Gu-- lots of them
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Truth--set up good
Bottom Line:
I like the taste of this more than the others, bottom line. I only use it on long training or races. On 1 1/2 hour or less rides I use just water.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Michelson
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
free packets at Pedros's Fest
Strengths:
It did what its supposed to do
Weaknesses:
Terrible taste, bad to the point of not being able to finish the entire thing due to gagging
Might give you diabetes
Bottom Line:
I'm surprised that so many people had good things to say about taste. I was at Pedro's fest when I picked up a free packet, and the first thing I noticed was that it actually tasted sweeter than pure honey (which is sickeningly sweet IMO), and the raspberry had too much of a chemical taste. But I was able to gag down most of it, and it worked well in combination with vita-water and this accelerae-type drink I had in my water bottle. I actually completed a 30 mile circuit that day in the mud, something I probably couldn't have done naturally, so it does seem to deliver what it advertises. Buy if you can handle excessive sweetness.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Middleburg, VA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fountain Head
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
tastes great--at least the Razz Sorbet does. I've also used the Vanilla--good, but not as good as the Razz. They give you energy, so do what they are supposed to.
Weaknesses:
Texture is like grease. Texture weirded me out at first, but now I am used to it. Price. Get them on sale--got a 24 pack for $30, a different time I picked a 24 pack up on sale for $16--which I think should be the normal price.
Similar Products Used:
Once tried a powerbar years ago--the most disgusting thing I ever put in my mouth!
Bottom Line:
These are the only product I have tried yet, so I can't compare them to others. These do seem to do the trick, though, as long as you can get past the sticky, grease-like texture. Water is necessary, escpecially with the Vanilla; the Razz isn't as bad. However,you will probably drink water when you break to suck one down, anyway, so it isn't a big deal. Give it a shot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from WI Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
twisty ones
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
thiner than gu. Better taste than gu.
Weaknesses:
doesn't seem to work as fast as gu.
Similar Products Used:
gu, powergel
Bike Setup:
scalpel
Bottom Line:
This product does what it says, but it dosen't seem to kick in for about 10 mins even with water. Gu is a little thicker but kicks in in about 2 mins with water. If you don't like one product or you want to see what else is avalible try Gu or Clif Shot. If you are actually in a race taking one every half hour will aid in a quicker recovery time. Well I hope this helps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allison
a
from Newfoundland Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Running Room
Strengths:
It's not made by powerbar
Weaknesses:
STICKY!
Similar Products Used:
powergel
Bottom Line:
Yuck Yuck Yuck!! I thought i would like clif shot since clif bars are awesome,however, this is not the case. It tastes fine, but it's so sticky that I felt like my mouth was being glued together. Water helps. I prefer powergel, however, if you don't like the consistency of powergel (i seriously dont' mind it), try clif shot for yourself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordon
a
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anything fast.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
Running Room
Strengths:
Cheap, tastes alright, and works fast!
Weaknesses:
the taste is awful... but better than powergel.
Similar Products Used:
Powergel and other stuff i don't remember the name of
Bike Setup:
Spec Rockhopper '02 + mods
Bottom Line:
The stuff is awesome, and i hear mixing them into 500mL of water makes it a decent sports drink (though i have a fear of trying that one). The stuff gets into your body really quick, escpecially when you feel like you're gonna just die. The instructions say one shot / 45 minutes... uh... i think that is if you only take water and clifshots only. I don't think i could stomach one every 45 min.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FritzMan
a Racer
from Ottawa, Canad Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Ease of consumption. Texture and taste (chocolate). Cool package design to keep lid and package as one piece - even when open. Works great.
Compared to the PowerGel I like the Clif Shot more. It's easier to empty the contents because of a larger opening, smaller size, and more liquid-like texture. Taste is great (like chocolate syrup).
I like the fact that there's an extra tab running from the lid to the package body. That way you can tear off the top, but it still remains attached to the package so you don't have to deal with two pieces.
I also have to say for me it appears to have a better energy kick than PowerGel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
colorado
a Cross Country Rider
from colorado Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
horse thief, fruita, et al
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
King Soopers (Ralphs, Kroger)
Strengths:
Easy going in, there are a few flavors. They give you plenty of nearly instant energy and all in all they do not taste that bad. plus they work!!
Weaknesses:
A little grimey. Could be a wee bit cheaper
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
trek fule 90
Bottom Line:
This stuff is not that bad. It looks like sh*t (mocha) but tastes decent. I must say they work. I mean they cure the worst hang over even, and will get you on your back in no time. Trust me. On the trail they work, well but you need tons of water to get some of them down. The flavors are okay. Mocha is the worst texture wise. Vanillia, was a bad idea. The Rasberry is rather good and goes down pretty easy. I think there is one other, but I am not sure. Anywasy the bottom line is that they work. It is like a quick shot of energy. Take a few on any epic or long ride. Also do not follow package directions, every 45 min. Yeah right. You'll be throwing up cliff shot 1/2 way thru your ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JT
a
from Arlington, VA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Size ... taste ... ease of consumption ... cost.
Weaknesses:
None yet!
Similar Products Used:
Clif Bar, Clif Luna Bar, PowerBar
Bottom Line:
I love these things. They are really easy to eat, don't have any weird aftertaste, are cheap and work well. I agree that I'm not going to be downing 2 to 3 of these ever hour but I'll have one before, after and during a ride. I've also found the flavors to be good. The chocolate and vanilla have been very good and I'll be trying the Razz Sorbet soon enough. These have replaced my Clif Bars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Art
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Don Valley "The Link"
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Taste (Razz Sorbet my favourite); quick energy hit.
Weaknesses:
poor usage instructions. "two to three packages per hour during exercise"? let's get real here
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone w Fox Float 100R fork
Bottom Line:
As far as taste goes, this is a love/hate product; I happen to be in the love category. It gives you a good quick energy boost when you need it. But don't use it as basic on-trail nutrition; use Cliff Bars for that.
It's got a lot of energy in a small package, so i find it to be a great emergency supplement when biking or kayaking.
And yes, wash it down with lots of water.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Racer
from sanford maine USA Date Reviewed: October 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
crum cycle
Strengths:
Good energy
Weaknesses:
TASTE IS HORRIBLE! You cant get it down your throat unless you have a drink with it.
Bike Setup:
ENDURO FSR EXPERT
Bottom Line:
Rather have a powerbar or redevil
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trey
a Weekend Warrior
from Midwest Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
NONE
Weaknesses:
Terrible taste; very thick consistency; very hard to get down.
Similar Products Used:
PowerGel; Gu
Bottom Line:
Love Clif bars, but Clif Shots are TERRIBLE. I would definitely recommend going with another brand (e.g., Gu or PowerGel). These awful things can ruin an otherwise good ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Racer
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
way too sweet- thick and syrupy tasting.
Similar Products Used:
Carb-BOOM, Gu, Powergel
Bottom Line:
I tried these gels and found them to be not nearly as good as what I have been using (carbboom). The thicker consistency of Clifshot required a lot of water to get it down. And I did not care for any of the flavors that I tested- they tasted too synthetic. Their bars are pretty good though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sycoholic
a Cross Country Rider
from jamesburg Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Clayton, NJ
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
small package, small portion, great taste (RazzBerry), excellent power boost.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Power Gel
Bike Setup:
GT XCR-3000
Bottom Line:
Tastes great, the Power Gel flavors and texture made me feel like I was swallowing a "load". I have only tried RazzBerry Sorbet, but man, it's great. I seem to get a better power boost off of it than power gel too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
danny snyder
a Racer
from littleton colorado Date Reviewed: July 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the road!!!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
i was riding the ms 150 and clif bar sponsored the ride and i picked one up to try it and i absolutly loved them. i turned back and got pockets full. they're easy to eat, drink with.
Weaknesses:
they probably need some other flavors, not nasty ones like peanut butter..
Bottom Line:
go pick them up right now at the store they were awesome!!!! i think that anyone who has difficulty eating a powerbar and riding should try these, they're hassel free and you can eat it in less than a minute.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Yonkers, NY Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
price
Weaknesses:
taste too much sugar
Similar Products Used:
Powerbar Gel Gu
Bike Setup:
GT Palomar
Bottom Line:
It's pretty cheap, but tastes like garbag. Made me sick. I wouldn't use it again. Use Powerbar Gel it's much better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from Norman, OK Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anderson and 149th
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Great taste. Easy to use container. several flavors taste pretty good.
Weaknesses:
Too small of a portion. A little thick for taking down real smooth, need water. Peanut buzz taste about like i imagine motor oil tasting. Very little value for the serving, around a buck depending on where u get it.
Similar Products Used:
various
Bottom Line:
Razzberry and vanilla are the best flavors in my opinion. Peanut butter sucked. Too expensive for the size, but just the fact that Clif lends help to biking so often the price remains reasonable. Easy to pack and carry. Overall sits in the middle of the scale, but the Clif factor gives it a boost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Renninger
a Cross Country Rider
from M, Fl Date Reviewed: March 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Oleta River State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Taste Maintains energy Does't make me sick
Weaknesses:
A bigger "shot" would be nice. All these things have got to be totally overpriced. A buck for a mouthful of high tech pudding? We're so gullible.
Similar Products Used:
GU Pwerbar Gel
Bike Setup:
Marin Hardtail
Bottom Line:
A review on this kind of product is bound to be completely subjective. But I love the Mocha flavor. I've tried a bunch of other brands and flavors, but they all tasted pretty nasty. I use this stuff on almost every ride for energy maintenance and revovery and it seems like it works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bethel, CT Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Better packaging, easier to despose of.
Weaknesses:
Product just plain sucks compared to the old one.
Similar Products Used:
EVerything else. Almost.
Bike Setup:
Steel XC bike.
Bottom Line:
These are inferior to the old ones. Plus, selected flavors are caffinated, which is not a good thing. You're supposed to wash gels down with water, not eat them. The old ones were great. Lots of volume for the dollar, and very sweet, which kept its flavor after watering down.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cdale
a Cross-Country Rider
from Stuckton, CA Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Darrington
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Not as sweet as the old Clif- Clif is major supporter of mountain biking.
Weaknesses:
Smaller packaging than old Clif, not as good a deal. A little thick.
Similar Products Used:
Power Gel, all the rest.
Bike Setup:
Metal bike, round wheels.
Bottom Line:
These are much better than the old Clif Shots. The older Shots were waaaaayyyyy too sweet, and came in a hard-to-recycle container. They now come in a typical Powerbar-type foil container now, instead of the old toothpaste tube guy. They seem to work well, providing that burst of powery goodness when you need it. Could be a little thinner so it comes out easier. Peanut Buzz- ummmmmm!Clif is a great supporter of our sport- thanks, Clif!!5 flaming horses from this rider!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
just curious no one reviewd the NEW ClifShot its no longer in the tooth paste thing its in packets like power bars and new flavors hm guess im gona be the only one this weekend ill be back!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TC
a Weekend Warrior
from Hawly, TX Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Moab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
taste, energy kick, value
Weaknesses:
toothpaste tube design not a good idea
Similar Products Used:
Power Bar, Power Gel, Cliff Bar
Bike Setup:
Hey, you can use this without a bike.
Bottom Line:
Call me weird, but I could almost eat the Real Berry flavor at home watching TV. It's relly good. I'm not hot on the other flavors. You get a noticeable energy boost that lasts a reasonable length of time. There is more product per tube compared to Power Gel. The tube container would be OK if they just did'nt put the flip top on it. You're gonna just suck it down anyway, not serve it on hors'dveurs. Overall a really good product.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Waterford, CT Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Interesting storage tube concept
Weaknesses:
hard to get the last of the shot out of the tube.
Similar Products Used:
Gu, Powergel, Hammergel
Bottom Line:
I am in the process of taste testing several of the different gel type supplements on the market. I have gone through four different brands to date (Hammergel, Clif shot, Pawer gel, and Gu). To be quantitative about things, I got the same flavors from each brand. Side by side comaprisons allowed for the sublte differences in texture, flavor, and overall goodieness of each brand. I have to say that the Clif Shot (flavor independent) takes third place behind Hammergel (strong frist place) and Powergel (weak second place)and finishes before Gu (eh...). I do love the Clif Bars, but for this comparison, I give the Clif Shot 3 flames for third place.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M.E.Covinoffski
a cross-country rider
from Buffalo Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999
Bottom Line:
Cliff shot s----! I love powerbars and cliffbars but clif shot is sick. If you make toothpaste a tube is a great idea, if your make energy bars its not. I have a hard time giving the product one star.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sabertooth
a weekend warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999
Bottom Line:
I love Powerbars and cliff bars but the first time i tried cliff shot I wanted to spit it out. What kind of energy food comes in a tooth paste tube? For toothpaste yes the tube works great but try putting clif shot in your pocket and prepare to clean up a mess.This product barely deserves one star.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sabertooth
a cross-country rider
from buffalo Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999
Bottom Line:
I love powerbars and clifbars but the first time I tried cliff shot I almost threw up! Its the sickest energy food on the market. Besides this the price is ridculous. And whats with the tube? Don't try storing a half empty cliffshot tube in your pocket or you'll have a mess. I'm surprised how many people like it, but i am not alone when I say buying cliffshot is like getting ripped off for a sticky mess via a toothpaste tube!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a cross-country rider
from AZ Date Reviewed: November 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
Bought a case which exploded sitting on the shelf in my kitchen within a couple weeks. Returned it for GU which I already knew I liked. GU tastes better and has more of an energy kick, can't reccomend this stuff except if you're using power gel or Pocket Rocket, it tastes better than those. Stick to GU and Clif Bars!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sherman
a weekend warrior
from British Columbia, Canada Date Reviewed: August 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
I got a chance to try this stuff on a ride today. It worked pretty well. It is not real gooey so it washes down pretty good and the tube is great for holding the rest that you don't eat. The nozzle does get a little bit sticky though. It gave me a good boost of energy. I tried the chocolate peanut one and the flavor was great. I choose this over powergel for sure.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Boomer
a racer
from AL Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
This stuff rocks! If you are ever in the middle of a ride and need something to keep from bonking, this is the stuff to use. You almost get an instant kick and the effects last and last. Chocolate espresso is the best flavor. If taking along a tube during a ride, leave the protective plastic over the cap otherwise it will open up on you and your jersey will be premanently stuck to you.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hill Pig
a cross-country rider
from La Crosse, WI Date Reviewed: August 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
Now here's a product that actually performs. Sure, it tastes like deer droppings, but boy, as long as it gets rid of that feeling. You know, when your legs are starting to sing show tunes and your head feels like a washing machine on spin. Clif Shot gets rid of that feeling, so now I'm an addict. Of course, it wreaks some gastrointestinal havoc on its way, but at least my head is clear enough to hear the zephyrs rasping out. I tried Clif Shot because it was free at a race, but I think I will buy a case if I can find it cheap. I like Clif Bars too, but I can't eat them while racing. The last time I tried, it was an Apricot one and I horked it up all over my bike and shoe and drivetrain along with some really warm water. I didn't even clip out, just grabbed a tree and sang the chunky blues. Chocolate Espresso Clif Shot is the most tolerable and downright tasty when I'm bonking, but they all taste like used food to me if I compare them to bananas or yogurt or haggis or something else that's yummy. 4 stars for not having Haggis flavor.
I have been using Clif Shot for about 6 months now and really like it. I have tried every gel I could find and I really like the flavor of the Chocolate espresso CS. The caffine is a nice bonus boost and you get twice as much goop for the same price as powergel. The only problem is the cap. I have fallen and popped the cap open, spilling shot all over my water blatter. I swear you could patch tubes with the sh@t its so sticky.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth
a cross-country rider
from Fairbanks, AK Date Reviewed: August 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought one of these for a race just to see if they really work. The good news is that they do. IF you can force it down. I ate about half of it and decided it was just too gross. I have been trying to finish it for the entire summer. It works well though because it allows you to drink a lot of water immediately before your race without getting sick. But you HAVE to drink the water or you will get sick anyway. Maybe if it could be squeezed out faster so that it could be over sooner it would be better. Maybe other flavors besides real berry are better. I have noticed that the other brands are about half the size of cliff shot. If the nutrition quantities were the same for half the size those would be worth it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Martini
a racer
from Anchorage, Alaska Date Reviewed: July 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
They were giving this stuff out during a race. Now I see why the were giving it out, the stuff is terrible. If you could swallow the stuff I am sure it would give you lots of energy ( 50 carbs ). The cliff bars on the other hand are great and tasty.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete Fox
a cross-country rider
from L.I. N.Y. Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I think Clif shots are very good but they do require a nice gulp of H2O to send it on down. I prefer the Choc. Espresso, since I'm a chocaholic, and the added caffeine kick helps too. The recloseable cap is the deal if you don't want to down the whole thing and save a little for later. They definately provide that little boost you need to make it BACK through the trail ...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Retroman
a cross-country rider
from Buffalo Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
Maybe I shouldn't judge this stuff so soon, since I've only tried one flavor, but IMO it's NASTY! I got four tubes of the berry, because I've heard the chocolate & vanilla taste like frosting. How could the same company who makes great energy bars, produce this crap!? I don't know if it gave me any energy, but probably the same as eating 3 handfuls of sugar! I wouldn't mind the taste so much if there was some nutritional value here. And how are these easier to eat than a bar? It takes both hands to get all of the gel out, and if you put it back in your pocket half full, it's a mess. 5 stars for Clif Bars 1 star for Clif Shot Save the gels for the roadies.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a weekend warrior
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: June 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
I think that Clif shot is GREAT! So much better than other stuff on the market and way better than Power Bars. I prefer the chocolate peanut flavor. One small drawback is the need to have a big gulp of H2O ready to go after a big shot of Clif Shot! The tubes are easy to open and store easily in a pocket or bag. If you are careful to roll up the tube properly you can get all of it out. 5 chilis!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a cross-country rider
from Allentown, PA Date Reviewed: June 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
Without going into all the technical stuff (which has already been well explored in other reviews) let me say that, prior to Clif Shots, I HATED ALL energy gels. This was mostly because I couldn't get the wet-sawdust consistency or awful bitter taste that most of them posess past my gag reflex. These things are delicious (though a tad sweet) and smooth, and take up much less space in my pack. And no matter how heat-tortured my body is at the time, they don't cramp me or give me that rock in the stomach feel as I continue along my merry way. This seemed to happen sometimes with Powerbars after I swallowed one along with a good swig of water on a super hot day.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karkus
a weekend warrior
from Boulder CO Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
Clif Shot is pretty good stuff, at least compared to other gels like GU. I would recommend the Vanilla Malt flavor. (The Berry is a bit too sweet). It comes in a convenient package which can be resealed. I usually still eat energy bars, but in situations where you need quick energy or can't get solid food down, this stuff works.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ROBIN CAMIRAND
a cross-country rider
from ont, can Date Reviewed: April 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
THIS STUFF IS HORRIBLE. I tried the grape flavor or whatever its called, and I almost puked this stuff. I'm sure it could work, (only if you can swallow the stuff. I tried the chocolate and it taste ok, but just stay away from the fruit flavor, you can try but just brace yourself.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Carroll
a cross-country rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: January 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
Great Gu. The packaging is nice, might help prevent a little litter, however it doesn't seem to keep well after opening so you pretty much have to finish the pack the same day or put it in the fridge. Works very well for me, one of the few suplements other than Cytomax that does seem to provide me with energy.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hedgehog
a cross-country rider
from California Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
I found a shop that sells these for $6 a box of 12. Thats 50 cents a tube, for 200 calories of simply and complex carbs, potassium, and ginsing. The real berry flavor works for me (it tastes like rasberry jelly and honey mixed and they all have the consistancy of corn syrup). Even at the 99 cent price these have nearly twice the carbs and are a better deal than the other gels on the market. Four chilies, they should come in more fruit flavors. Best gel deal out there!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Atkins
a cross-country rider
from Baltimore MD 21228 Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
It works good but it is too hard to use. The tube is long and hard to put in your jersey pocket. With Power Gel it is smaller so it can be more easily stored is your pocket without it falling out. This is very importain in a race. With Power Gel all you have to do is rip off the top.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Hock
a racer
from Oregon Date Reviewed: December 1, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have tried Power Gel, Gu, and ClifShots, and definately enjoyed the ClifShots the best. They had the best taste and the ease of use blew away the competition. I like the chocolate peanut and berry flavor. I still think that one of these companies should come with a beer flavored gel or bar. Then I think that a lot more people would use their products.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Rider
a cross-country rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: November 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
These things are loaded with simple carbs so the boost was there regardless. None of the gel products are a good deal ($1.00+ for mostly corn or rice syrup) but the Clif Shots are priced better than the rest, taste good, and come in a useful resealable container so you can have half now and half later.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Lowe
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: November 9, 1996
Bottom Line:
Clif's answer to GU. Clif Shot's have 2 big advantages over GU. Shots come in a plastic tube (much like toothpaste). This is much easier to get into than the GU packets and allows you to take as little or as much as you want since it can be closed again. Also they aren't as messy once your done with them as the little GU packets. They cost about as much as GU (approx $1.25) but each Clif Shot holds 64 grams compared to GU's 32 grams making the Shot's a real bargain. Each tube contains 46 grams of carbohydrate, 1 gram of fat, 2g protein, and has 198 calories. I've tried the Chocolate Peanut and Chocolate Espresso flavors and they're both very tasty.
Overall Rating:
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