Best Time to eat my Banana?

sethy

Recently I have been bringing a banana to work, to scoff just before I leave for the 10 mile commute (which takes me around 35 mins through Bham city centre)

Could the collective wisdom of the forum tell me the optimum delay between eating my banana and getting on my bike, so that I can make sure I am always the fastest thing in Birmingham at rush hour!?

I currently just eat it as I leave the office (which is followed by 8 minutes of getting changed and a 5 minute walk to the bike sheds), and it seems to have been helping considerably!

tgotb

I reckon it's placebo; assuming you ate a decent lunch and don't have a particularly physical job, you should already have enough glycogen in your system for a 35 min ride, so my vote is for whenever you fancy it.

I used to use energy drinks, gels, bananas etc before races, until I figured out that for short races (up to an hour or so) it was unlikely to make a difference unless I'd also ridden to the race. Since I stopped making an effort to feed myself up I've detected exactly no difference. This includes early morning 10-mile TTs, where I now always race on an empty stomach.

Clever Pun

I tend to eat it 20-30 minutes before I ride if I remember /anecdotal

I only tend to eat them if I'm extending the ride home or I've been spinning at lunch

goonz

Erm when you feel hungry?

team47b

The best time is when your oxygen intake is low as your body shifts to using carbohydrates for it's main source of fuel so eat your banana when you are about to reach warp 9. You will know when you reach this state as you won't be able to talk, but then if you are eating a banana maybe you should not be talking anyway, but as you're a commuter shouting at cars if fine

Southgate

If your aim is to be the fastest commuter cyclist in town, then forget the slow-release carbs of the banana and take a quick-release caffeinated gel about 10 mins before you ride.

mtb-idle

I saw a video once of a bloke eating his own banana; it was gross :oops:

I eat mine just before I head downstairs to get changed before riding home.

daddy0

If I were you I'd eat it a bit earlier, but make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the afternoon. Just make sure you empty your bladder before you leave.

I'll eat a banana just before a long ride, then eat another after a couple of hours.

LiveGiantly

The choice is solely down to you as you know your body but I would eat the banana 40-60mins before cycling...

You do not want to be hungry or stuffed when cycling...just the right balance...

MichaelW

4:23.

tgotb

MTFU and teach your body to ride a bike for 30 mins without having to eat a special meal.

Is this you on a club run?

markhewitt1978

Agreed with the above that for a 35 minute ride as long as you aren't hungry then it will make little difference.

Get that caffinated gel instead

daddy0

I just ate my banana, now to plan which KOMs to go for on my way home...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbPxRAeClJA

willy b

About 4:45 - Out the door by 5:15. 8)