Staying hydrated is pretty important when mountain biking. If you read Julia’s hydration tips you’ll understand the importance. And it’s not just when it’s hot that you need to stay hydrated, even in this freezing cold weather it’s critical to get regular fluids into the body. 

You can drink water. Or you can use one of the many energy drink products available. Or you can use Nuun. The concept behind Nuun is simple, a small effervescent tablet that is low in calories, six for every tablet, with no sugar or carbohydrates, just packed with electrolytes and other vitamins you lose though the process of sweating. If you get your carbohydrates from solid food or gels, you don’t necessarily need an energy drink as well, and Nuun is a good choice.

With 11 flavours to choose from, they’re tastier than drinking plain old water. My favourite is Fruit Punch, it has quite a sweet flavour, reminding me of a sweet from my childhood days. Can’t quite place my finger on the exact sweet though, my memory isn’t that good. Anyway, you get the point, it makes your water taste lovely. And that makes it easier to drink when you’re riding. And easier to stay properly hydrated.

The tube is small enough to be stuffed in the pocket of a hydration pack so you can carry them with you on longer rides. You get 12 tablets in each tube, and they recommend one tablet for 500ml of water. That would suggest four tablets for a 2-litre bladder, but I happily go with two tablets for a slightly diluted taste.

They’re a little expensive at £6 a tube though, adding squash to your bladder would be a cheaper alternative, but Nuun is designed for cycling with electrolytes and minerals so they’re probably better for you. Choose one of the caffeine flavours and you’ll also get a mental boost when you’re flagging on longer rides.

Verdict

Tasty and low in calories but regular use can be expensive.

More information: nuun hydration tabs
Price: £6

What nuun says:

nuun is light and refreshing with no sugar and is non-sticky so it’s great in bottles and hydration packs

nuun is just electrolytes – it is not a source of sugar or carbs, which allows adventurers to independently manage energy needs with their favourite choice, be it bars, gels, bananas or brownies. (after all, on a hot day, you need to replace more fluids and electrolytes than on a cold day, but you don’t need all the extra sugar and carbs.)

• 12 tablets in a single tube with each tab making 500ml
• optimal salt balance prevents cramping and maximises hydration
• no sugar and a light taste means it’s easier (and nicer) to drink
• used by the very best athletes on the planet