SIS or Torq

NWLondoner
NWLondoner Posts: 2,047
edited January 2009 in Workshop
Up to now I have used SIS (PSP22, Go and Rego Rapid)as my source of energy drink and recovery. However I am thinking of going over to Torq instead as they seem to be more natural and friendly to the body.

What do others think of Torq? Did they get enough of an extra boost out of there products?

Comments

  • Gavin Gilbert
    Gavin Gilbert Posts: 4,019
    I made the move from SIS to Torq (and Nuun) for exactly the same reasons NWL...

    I've been using Recover for 4 months and I find it a much nicer product to drink. It also seems to work better - I simply feel better after using it than I did with SIS. The new strawberry flavor is excellent, the banana & mango very nice indeed but the chocolate is a bit...tangy. I suspect it's some of the BCAA's I can taste.

    I converted to the Energy formula about a month ago, really just as a trial to see i it helped during turbo sessions as I have a long commute home before hand. It did and as I result I've started using it on the road too. No complaints yet, but it's early days. I used to find PSP22 very difficult to digest in really hot weather which prompted the move to the electrolyte only Nuun tablets. We'll need to wait and see if I can tolerate Torq in very warm conditions.

    Where I think SIS still has the whip hand is with GO Bars. The other bugbear with Torq is availability - sorting a pick up for mail order is a PIA for me, whereas I can pick SIS up in the Evans opposite my office.
  • cyclingpunk
    cyclingpunk Posts: 368
    I have just ordered a load of sis stuff. Having read your comments I am interested in any specific problems you have had? Up untill now I have just used my own natural recipies and drinks.
    My Madone: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
  • NWLondoner
    NWLondoner Posts: 2,047
    My main worry with SIS is that it is a bit "industrial" whereas Torq seems to use only natural ingredients.

    I find the PSP much easier on my stomach then the SIS Go Electolite.
  • Aggieboy
    Aggieboy Posts: 3,996
    The other bugbear with Torq is availability - sorting a pick up for mail order is a PIA for me, whereas I can pick SIS up in the Evans opposite my office.

    Unless they've stopped, I got my last supply from Condor. Pink grapefruit is yummy.
    "There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world, t'would be a pity to damage yours."
  • ermintrude
    ermintrude Posts: 514
    Another vote for the pink grapefruit. I think Torq products are way better than SIS, they taste better and have no aspartame. The strawberry yoghurt gels are actually quite yummy.
  • Casbar
    Casbar Posts: 168
    Its Torq for me 2. I use their Bars , Recovery and Energy drinks. Recovery makes me recover sooner ( although I dont like the sharp after taste of the Orange/Choc flavour ). I also found the Energy drink a lot gentler on my stomach on long rides. Their bars are great and I'm sure once I have finished my remaining gels I will switch to Torq Gels as well.
    They are more expensive , but so far I feel worth it.
    exercise.png
  • Gavin Gilbert
    Gavin Gilbert Posts: 4,019
    Aggieboy wrote:
    The other bugbear with Torq is availability - sorting a pick up for mail order is a PIA for me, whereas I can pick SIS up in the Evans opposite my office.

    Unless they've stopped, I got my last supply from Condor. Pink grapefruit is yummy.

    I have a problem going into Condor and coming out with only the things I intended to buy :oops:
  • Wappygixer
    Wappygixer Posts: 1,396
    I've always used SIS as we sell it at work and I get discount (which normally makes my mind up) and I've always found it really good, I comsume far less solids on a ride now.
    I have never used Torq but have recently looked at making my own energy drinks from the many recipes on here, it works out so much cheaper, but if your a fussy eater (like me) is it a taste risk worth taking?
  • richa
    richa Posts: 1,632
    I use:
    High5 energy drinks - excellent but I would prefer the flavour to be stronger
    Torq bars
    High5 & Torq gels
    Sports beans
    Cliff Shots
    For Goodness Shakes recovery drinks
    Rich
  • cyclingpunk
    cyclingpunk Posts: 368
    Mine has all been sent now. Was going to cancel after looking into things a bit further, I was prompted to try it by a friend and there website impressed me. Damn the marketing speil!

    Oh well... I know for next time to look a bit further.
    My Madone: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
  • NWLondoner
    NWLondoner Posts: 2,047
    cyclingpunk wrote:
    Mine has all been sent now. Was going to cancel after looking into things a bit further, I was prompted to try it by a friend and there website impressed me. Damn the marketing speil!

    Oh well... I know for next time to look a bit further.

    hey don't be too worried. It is still great stuff.
  • Gavin Gilbert
    Gavin Gilbert Posts: 4,019
    SIS is what you'll find in many professional sports peoples bidons. As NWL says, it's great stuff. But where I and I suspect NWL are coming from is that having spent the time and trouble to eat a heathly and natural diet is it worth that investment to then supplement with a product that contains sweeteners and colourings?

    I wouldn't worry about it, of you're eating the right stuff and taking SIS you'll still almost certainly have a far lower E Number intake than the population in general.

    It's just that it is possible to avoid those chemicals completely.
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    I really like SIS Go Electrolyte although tend to use Torq for gels (as well as Clif Bars and shotbloks)
  • garyspain
    garyspain Posts: 105
    On the bike
    Water and cheap muesli bars
    Off the bike
    Eat well, rest well
    Save some money and your teeth
    http://www.vamoscycling.com/blog
  • cyclingpunk
    cyclingpunk Posts: 368
    In desperation I have been eating my 2 year olds "Goodies" bars. They are organic, no rubbish that I can see and taste really good. Maybe a good solution? I also picked up some fruit gel type things that again are designed for kids. No nasties. Not tried them yet but will give them a go next time I am out. I will keep the SIS stuff for when I am riding sportives and the like.
    My Madone: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
  • MoultonMayhem
    MoultonMayhem Posts: 12
    edited January 2009
    Hi, I've read this post with interest but tbh I haven't got the first clue on where to start with this stuff. Wondered if you guys might be able to give me some advice on when, what etc etc??

    I'm definitely on the Torq side of things (call me a hippy) but I like the natural approach. I'm relatively new, although been cycling for years, I've never had consistency but I'm interested to understand if this stuff can help now that I'm doing more.

    I have a quick route, which at less than an hour I dont feel the need for anything but water. Should I be looking at a recover drink however?

    I've used SIS when mountain biking but what is the best thing to use on the road? I quite like the idea of just water in the bottle but would a gel be beneficial?

    At what point would you start to consider putting something in your bottle or carrying a gel? 2, 3, 4 hr rides?

    Appreciate any comments.

    Cheers.
  • 16simon
    16simon Posts: 154
    You have enough energy supplies for rides of up to 1hr, any longer than that and you need to replenish your energy stores. If you top up your energy levels using drink, gels, or bars, you'll be able to ride further, faster, and you'll recover quicker.

    I think that Torq is great, I try to eat healthy, organic food where possible, so there natural approach made them an obvious choice, They taste great too: especially the tasty raspberry jam flavoured bars.

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