PowerBar Endurance Sport and Performance Recovery Beverage System

Cost: $1.25-$1.50 single serving packets/ $20-$25 per canister
Contact: 510-843-1330; www.powerbar.com

Developed with the help of Lance Armstrong's coach, Chris Carmichael, the PowerBar Beverage System employs two specialized formulas—the Endurance Sport for before and during workouts and Performance Recovery for after. With a low sugar to carbohydrate ratio, the Endurance Sport drink increases energy uptake by seven percent, dissolves easily and can be purchased in 52 serving canisters or double serving packets. Each serving of Endurance contains 70 calories, 160 grams of sodium, 17 grams of carbs plus magnesium and potassium. The Performance Recovery drink speeds glycogen restoration and rehydration using sodium, potassium and magnesium and is also available in double serving packets or 36 serving canisters.

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The Recovery was created to aid the restoration of fluids and electrolytes after hard rides. It has 90 calories per eight-ounce serving, with 20 grams of carbs, a low 10 grams of sugar and specifically for muscle rebuilding—3 grams of protein. The mix's carbohydrate, magnesium and potassium levels are average, but like the Endurance, the Recovery has a high amount of sodium compared to other sports drinks. According to PowerBar, sodium is the most important electrolyte in rehydration. Unlike many other brands there is only one flavor option; lemon-lime for Endurance and orange for Recovery.

After a manic late-night interval training session and only four hours of sleep, I went for a brutally long ride accompanied by the PowerBar Beverage System. Using the System, I felt strong and pain free during the intense ride. Afterward, the Recovery drink left me feeling rehydrated and refreshed, though it did give me severe cottonmouth. Considering you're guzzling 250 mg of sodium along with a high volume of other electrolytes, it's difficult to hide the mineral taste. On the positive side both mixes aren't sickly sweet and the crowning achievement—it's mild on the stomach. Since the first sleep-deprived, performance taste-test, I've used the Beverage System on a regular basis. On hard rides with intense heat and heavy climbing the Beverage System has become a regular training partner.