Zipvit ZV9 Protein Recovery Bar

The range of Zipvit products includes energy drinks and gels, but recently I've been testing the ZV9 protein recovery bars. They're designed to be eaten after a long ride - the protein content helps your muscles repair and recover. Thus they're especially useful if you're doing stage races, multi-day sportives or simply an intensive week of back-to-back training sessions - although they're also fine to eat after a long ride if all you're doing the following day is sitting on the couch watching the Tour de France on TV.

In each 65g bar, there's about 20g of protein, along with 25g of carb and 18g of sugars. Unlike many other recovery bars, the protein in the ZV9 comes from milk and whey, rather than soya bean derivatives. Zipvit claim this is a better quality source of protein, and the easy digestion means no bloating of the stomach.

I tested the ZV9s recently by eating a couple of bars straight after a hilly sportive in the Cotswolds (not bad, 107 miles in just over 6 hours, thanks for asking) then doing about 35 miles next day. I was expecting to have to ride steady, but found I had a lot more power in my legs than expected and was able to go pretty hard. Of course, whether that's all down to a couple of Zipvit bars is hard to tell, but I think it's an indication this product works for me.

Having said that, as with all nutrition products, whether this claim holds true for your own riding needs can only be assesses by a trial - but I recommend trying some of these bars to see if they work for you.

The ZV9 protein bars come in three flavours. I tried the Chocolate Caramel; the taste and soft texture was vaguely reminiscent of an old-style Milky Way bar. It was definitely tasty and easy to chew. Other favours include Chocolate Orange and Yoghurt-coated Banana Blueberry.

All Zipvit products can be bought at your local bike or tri shop, as well as from on-line stores. When it comes to cost, a 65g bar is £1.75 (boxes of 15 go for around £25), which is on a par with similar recovery products, although still not cheap. Zipvit reckon their stuff is worth the premium. As mentioned above, only by doing a couple of personal test-rides yourself will you know if it helps improve your own cycling, but based on my own experience I'd say these bars are well worth a try.

Verdict

Very tasty recovery product, at a fair-value price - well worth a try.