Help: I Need Shot Roks
Because I’ll only endorse something that I completely love and am excited about, there are not very many cycling nutritional products that I’ve promoted. In fact, there’s only been three…..Nuun, VegeGreens, and now Shot Roks. Sure, there are other great products out there, but these are the only three that I’ve come across so far that have impressed me enough to promote.
Although I’ve actually only used Clif Shot Roks twice in the past, I’m a fan of what these protein bites have to offer. It’s only the fact that they are so freaking hard to get in Canada that’s prevented me from using them more. That’s right, can you believe that they do not currently distribute them in Canada? I’ll get back to that later.
Now, if you were to pick any cyclist out on a longish ride and reach inside the pouch on the back of his jersey…odds are you’d find some energy gels or bloks. No surprise….they have their purpose as do the equally popular, hydration drinks. Both are very good and important items to use as arsenal on your rides, but Shot Roks have a different purpose. Shot Roks are protein bites and used to provide small amounts (2 grams) of protein per shot.
Although I’m here to promote this product, in my opinion, the use of Shot Roks is quite limited. I would only suggest using them on rides over about 3 1/2 hours….the rides where you’re missing a meal and need that protein balance back in your body.
Each CLIF Shot Roks contains 2 grams of lean, natural milk-based protein—high-quality, soluble and easily digested to help quickly repair and build muscles. With 10 CLIF Shot Roks per packet—for a total of 20 grams of protein—it’s easy for athletes to customize their protein intake.
I’ve only used these bad boys while cycling last year in Austin, TX. They really came in handy on a couple long rides that I did, and in that Texas heat they performed beautifully. You see, Shot Roks don’t melt, freeze or stick together….they also have a protective outer shell that keeps them from getting smashed in the back of your jersey. Best of all, they taste rather nice (available in Peanut Butter, Chocolate, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough).
They are so easy to use while riding. Simply empty the package into your pouch prior to your ride, and then just reach back and pop one of the protein bites when you need it. No wrappers to peel back, no mess, nothing. Because you’re only taking the protein in 2 gram increments, you’re in control of deciding how many you’ll need for that particular ride. If you know your body, you’ll know how much protein it needs to take in. Sure your body needs energy, electrolyte replacement, and hydration….but on those long rides, you also need to feed your muscles. Shot Roks takes care of that for you.
So, I’m asking you to help a brother out. If you can spare a couple packages of Shot Roks, please send them to me. I’m only partly serious here, but if you’d like to take me up on it please contact me.
I’d also love to hear about your experience using Shot Roks, or your recommendations on similar products.
You can order them from REI (they ship to Canada). Since they’re made in the states, you’ll only end up paying GST/PST on them when they arrive chez vous. I’m similarly in love with them & wish they were sold up here. I find them a good post-work out food, myself. I never finish a Clif bar in one sitting (although those tiny ones are sold in the States, too… le sigh) & find the ability to snack on one package over a series of days a major bonus.
Thanks m-j. This post is getting kind of old now and my how things have changed. I’m living in the United States now and I’m also an ambassador for Clif so I get all the product I could ever want, and more. They found this post and approached me about teaming up with them…what a fantastic company.
I really do appreciate you leaving this message…..keep on enjoying the Clif products.
Damn, going to have to check these out. Would be good for my long Monday/Wednesday evening workouts
+1 on the Shot Roks love, though to me I’m reminded of Whoppers (the malt balls) though not quite as sweet.
Yes, very similar to Whoppers….thats actually the first thing the girl in the bike shop told me when I was looking at them. As an ex-competitive bodybuilder and someone who has invested a boat load of time into nutrition education…I’ve tried more protein bars than you wish to hear about. When it comes to cycling purposes, the Shot Roks are simply the best protein supplement I’ve seen.
I appreciate your explanation of when to use the Shot Roks. Good nutrition information is difficult to find (for me anyway). Spotted Shot Roks at REI. I was drawn to the protein content. Clif Shot Bloks have the energy, but no protein, and as you mention, each has its own place. The taste of the Roks isn’t that great, but what can you expect from something that won’t be destroyed in my Camelbak when riding in 90-100 temps? Plus, it’s not candy. The taste is comparable to protein bars. Durability and function make these a winner. These stay in my bag because if I have the time, I might ride longer than anticipated, or just really need something to eat.
Now that it’s getting hot in Texas there’s also a bottle of Heed in the cage for electrolytes. The nutrition information on the Hammer site is very informative, whether or not you like the products. Along with my Bloks and Roks I keep Raspberry Hammer gel. Yes, I carry a lot of stuff with me, and always more water than I need. I have run into cyclists that don’t eat, carry water or think of energy when riding. Astounds me. Great post.
I like Roks alot. I used them this last week on a 160 mile ride. Probably one of the reasons that I had minimal muscle soreness on the second day and then after the ride.
I’ve never tried any of these new fangled energy foods yet. I eat what my Dad used to eat when pedalling, that is Jam sandwiches on white bread loosely wrapped in cling film, although back in the day my Dad used to wrap his Jam sandwiches in grease proof paper as in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s cling film hadn’t been invented!
By the way is jam called jello in America or have I got that wrong?
2 countries separated by a common language. Although in our case it’s 2 countries joined by a common love of the bike! 🙂
Jam is also called jelly, but there’s a difference. Jelly is made from fruit juice. Jam includes the crushed up fruit. There’s also Jell-o, a dessert made with sugar and gelatin – then there’s marmalade and preserves, but this is a bike site, and I don’t like jam, Jell-0 or any of these spreads 😛
Local endurance racers swear by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (PBJ’s here in the states). I can’t keep peanut butter around because I eat it straight with a spoon.
Hey Jami….thanks for helping Clive out and also for your comments.
Clive, I think Jami did a good job of explaining the Jello/Jelly difference. You are full of good cross continent education….first it was the “stone” measurement and now “Jam”. Keep them coming…..I love learning.
Darryl