Originally Posted by
genejockey
Not on a short ride of, say less than 2 hours. Longer rides, though, I've definitely been depleted enough to notice the kick from a gel or other snack. And in line with the observation about harder efforts, I definitely find that adding a half hour Z4 climb has me feeling depleted a lot sooner.
I use maltodextrin because of its high GI and absorbability. I've been using an HRM for 25 years, so I know what my HR is supposed to be doing. If I see it drop for my effort (and having power makes that a little easier) I drink some malto. Bang, it's back up where it belongs. If HR seems too high, I drink more water. I like being well instrumented.
Beyond having normal HR response to effort, I don't see any "kick" from carbs. That only happens if you're depleted. Don't do that! Remember that carb burning is trainable, just like fat burning. Fat burning doesn't have a supply issue however. Carb burning does.