First Impressions: Motor Tabs, Fluid Replacement

At Sea Otter I met the folks from Motor Tabs.  While at their booth, they gave me a few samples of their energy tabs.  Below is a description of fluid replacement energy tablets:

§       Effervescent sports drink tablets
§       Optimal levels of sodium and potassium 
§       Multiple carbohydrate blend
§       Dissolves completely in water
§       No Aspartame, Sucralose, acesulfame potassium or high fructose corn syrup

I recently tried the Motor Tabs during the SC Velo XC Challenge in October.  Pleased with the results and the flavor, I contacted Motor Tabs and they provided additional samples.

Since receiving then, I’ve been using Motor Tabs regularly on my rides.  I have to admit that I do feel like I have more energy.  I don’t tire out as fast as I normally do.  I gauge this through the trails that I frequent.  After reaching a certain point my energy level usually drops.  Since drinking Motor Tabs pre/during my rides, I’ve been able to maintain a higher level of energy thus not tiring (where I normally would) and able to pedal through. 

Another example – I recently rode a fairly long trail, close to 20 miles.  Majority of the ride was climbing therefore at the end of the day I was pretty beat.  The next day I rode again, this time on my single speed bike.  Legs still tired from the previous day, I drank one 20 oz water bottle with Motor Tabs – prior and during my ride.  Results – I zipped through the trail as if I didn’t ride the day before.

Motor Tabs comes in four flavors:

§       Fruit Punch
§    Lemon-Lime
§       Orange
§       Grape

Instructions for use:

Use one Motor Tabs tablet for each 20fl oz. of water.  Remove tablet from wrapper and place tablet in water.  Leave the top open until the tablet has completely dissolved.  The effervescent ingredients will dissolve the tablet thoroughly in approximately four minutes so there is no need to shake the bottle. Individual fluid intake requirements will vary.  **Room temperature water.

The last part of the instruction I didn’t see initially.  On one of our hot days last month, I went for a ride and filled both of water bottles with ice and water.  On the way to the trail I dropped the tablets into the water bottle.  Fifteen minutes later, arriving at the trailhead, I noticed that the Motor Tabs have not dissolved completely… now I know. 

Thus far Motor Tabs has worked for me and can work for you.  Give it it a try.  For more information you can visit their site at www.motortabs.com.  I’ll continue to use Motor Tabs in 2009 so check back for a follow-up review.