SIS is full of artificial sweeteners & preservatives (Ace K, Aspartame, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate) – none of these actually help you out – they’re flavour enhancers and mould inhibitors.
Ultimately your body needs quick release and slow release energy (simple & complex carbohydrates), mineral salts to alleviate/minimise cramps and a small amount of protein to help digest the carbs. Torq is a Maltodextrin (complex carb) and Fructose (simple carb – fruit sugar) blend with some electrolytes (mineral salts such as Potassium Chloride) in there so its pretty good. I’ve found it a lot better and done 24h & Kielder on the stuff. Their Rhubarb & Custard gel is tasty too.
I’ve recently tried High 5 4:1 as I liked the idea of the whey protein to aid digestion and have to say I found it easier on the stomach than Torq.
Ditch the SIS however – awful stuff which for some unknown reason, every bike shop seems to stock instead of Torq.
Clif is pretty good stuff, ZipVit is good too – their caffeine gels are amaaaaaazing!. Accelerade is supposed to be ok but I’ve no knowledge of its contents.