Mini-Review
By John Marsh, Editor & Publisher
Cost: $2.49 (per bag; 10 chews, 60g)
How Obtained: review samples from company
Available: online and retail
RBR Sponsor: no
Time tested: numerous rides over 2 months
Bolt Chews Are a Nice Addition to the ProBar Line
I’ve been using ProBar Bolt organic energy chews for much of the summer. That’s right: Like its other tasty bars, ProBar’s energy chews are USDA-certified organic.
And, like its other products, these chews are pretty tasty as well. I’ve tried all four flavors: Orange, Strawberry, Raspberry and Berry Blast. All are fruity, tangy and easy to chew and swallow on the move. They come in rectangular blocks that are gummy in their consistency, but don’t stick to the package and are not sticky when chewing.
All of those features are good things for chews, which I like to consume on fast group rides that don’t have stops, or on long endurance rides between rest stops. You can reach into your jersey pocket for the bag and pop a couple in your mouth every few minutes to maintain your energy. I don’t mind gels, but I prefer to actually chew on something a bit now and then, vs. the all-at-once and swallow nature of a gel pack.
One package of ProBar Bolt chews contains 10 chews that add up to 180 calories and contain 120mg of sodium, 90mg of potassium, 48g of carbohydrate, as well as vitamins B6, B12, C, and niacin. One pack gets me through a hard 40-mile group ride.
The only issue I have with these chews is the packaging. I’ve found that I need to open the package before starting a ride. Trying to tear it open during a ride, in the heat of a fast group effort, proved fruitless on one occasion; I couldn’t even tear it open with my teeth and had to give up, frustrated and needing energy. Other than that one small issue, these are a nice addition to the ProBar line of products.
August 2013
John Marsh is the editor and publisher of RBR Newsletter and RoadBikeRider.com. A rider of “less than podium” talent, he sees himself as RBR’s Ringmaster, guiding the real talent (RBR’s great coaches, contributors and authors) in bringing our readers consistently useful, informative, entertaining info that helps make them better road cyclists. That’s what we’re all about here—always have been, always will be. Click to read John’s full bio.
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