The Best Recovery Drinks for Cyclists

Whether you're a competitive cyclist or just enjoy long, frequent bike rides, taking care of yourself after the ride is important. This goes for cross-training also. Your post-race or -training nutrition helps your body recover to tackle more miles next time. A good recovery drink is one that can replenish all of the nutrients lost, without adding sugar or fats back into your body.

  1. Recoverite by Hammer Nutrition

    • To minimize muscle soreness after a workout, Recoverite, made by Hammer Nutrition, supplies carbohydrates and proteins for glycogen synthesis and tissue rebuilding, both of which are essential for recovery. It contains maltodextrin as its carbohydrate because it has a high glycemic index, which speeds up your metabolism to keep your body lean. It is easily digested and won't upset your stomach.

    GU Brew Recovery

    • Available in single-serve packets, a tub or tablets, GU Brew Recovery uses a whey-protein isolate and arginine and glutamine amino acids to mitigate the effects of a tough workout as well as quicken recovery so you can get back out there and train hard. In addition, it contains simple and complex carbohydrates and 100 percent of your daily allowance of vitamins C and E per serving, which you should be consuming even if you are not physically active. Because it does not have a grainy or chalky taste, it's easy on the stomach.

    Fluid Recovery Drink

    • Fluid, which started as a senior project for a student at Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, turned heads immediately by winning "Best Nutrition Product of the Year" and "Best Sports/Recovery Drink of 2008." Its all-natural ingredients work together to help reduce inflammation and other aches and pains. Fluid contains 50 times more L-glutamine amino acids than other recovery drinks, which provide faster recovery, according to the manufacturer.

    Nuun

    • Nuun is advertised as "optimal hydration" and is packaged as tablets in a tube, easily transported. One tablet of Nuun in 16-ounces of water is a recovery drink with electrolytes and zero sugar, under eight calories and quickly absorbed. Although Nuun is advertised as a hydration drink, it works as an effective recovery drink as well.