I don't get cramps from it, but I just don't care for any caffeine during a ride. I drink coffee all day long if not riding, but I avoid it and other caffeinated beverages before and during a ride.
I do agree that maltodextrin does seem to replete spent energy quicker while riding than other carbs I've used. So if NOS is a Nitrogen Oxide System on a race car, then that's a fair analogy.