Price: $21 for a box of 12 sticks
Flavors: Cherry Acai, Tangerine Grapefruit, Tropical Orange, and Strawberry Lemonade
Availability: Online and select retailers
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Tailwind Expands Product Line for Non-Endurance Type Rides
Recently, Tailwind went through a rebranding exercise after realizing not all athletes fall under the “endurance” label but can still benefit from a quality hydration product. As part of their focus on non-endurance workouts, the company launched its Active Hydration drink mix in mid-July. The product is formulated for shorter workouts making it perfect for the gym or a quick ride or run.
Tailwind’s Active Hydration drink mix provides electrolytes, collagen, and vitamin C while mixing clear with water for a slightly fruity taste. According to the company, “Active Hydration includes grass-fed bovine collagen peptides. Studies of collagen supplementation combined with exercise show promising results in improving joint functionality. Vitamin C is a necessary cofactor in collagen synthesis and functions as an antioxidant.”
I received a sampling of single serving packets in all four flavors – Cherry Acai, Tangerine Grapefruit, Tropical Orange, and Strawberry Lemonade. Overall, I like the light hint of flavor, which is my preference but might not appeal to other riders. There was no aftertaste for any of the flavors. However, I’m not a fan of anything cherry flavor, so I skipped testing the Cherry Acai.
Because the product’s focus is on hydration and not nutrition, it only has 35 calories per serving. Currently, the Active Hydration Drink Mix is available only in single-serving packets and not in large pouches. The small packets or sticks, as Tailwind calls them, are easy to stash in your saddlebag or rear pocket to use on a ride, but I wish they offered the larger bag when preparing bottles at home.
Bottom Line
It’s great Tailwind finally recognizes a need for hydration products for a non-endurance athlete or shorter workouts. Those who didn’t identify as endurance athletes couldn’t identify with Tailwind products. But now, the company has opened the door to a new group of riders.
The light flavor of Tailwind’s new Active Hydration Drink Mix is a big positive in my book, and the low-calorie count. The touch of flavor provides variety to just consuming plain water on shorter rides. It also helps to mask the unpleasant taste of well water when forced to use it.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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