# "Pre Workout" Supplement Before Riding **URL:** \ **Category:** Nutrition\ **Created:** [July 16, 2024, 1:34pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pre-workout-supplement-before-riding/94784 "2024-07-16T13:34:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mathieurrr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mathieurrr/32/80189_2.png) [@mathieurrr](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mathieurrr)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2024, 1:34pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pre-workout-supplement-before-riding/94784/1 "2024-07-16T13:34:56Z")
I’ve seen a mention here and there on the forum about “Pre Workout” supplement such as Cellucor C4 or Nitro Surge. I’m thinking of using this for 6am rides. Wake up, throw back a scoop and let it do it’s magic. I feel like this is much easier than making a coffee and letting cool off and would also have some extra supllements to help me get out on the road and GO. Has anybody expirimented with this? Would love any kind of feedback. ---
**Author:** ![BCM](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bcm/32/137631_2.png) [@BCM](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/BCM)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2024, 1:49pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pre-workout-supplement-before-riding/94784/3 "2024-07-16T13:49:16Z")
Caffeine pill or caffeinated gel works if you don’t have time or don’t want to do coffee. But - caffeine, and then some sugar 15 minutes before going out the door. ---
**Author:** ![toribath](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/toribath/32/34696_2.png) [@toribath](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/toribath)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2024, 4:45pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pre-workout-supplement-before-riding/94784/4 "2024-07-16T16:45:53Z")
I think the primary benefit would be caffeine, (and maybe Beta-alanine to some extent, but IIRC that requires more chronic dosing) so probably cheaper and easier to go with something like a caffeine pill. Also may or may not be relevant to your riding, but if you’re racing the other ingredients might be a cause for concern, as pre workouts are the kind of thing that aren’t typically well-regulated with regard to legal supplementation. I’d also want to make sure you’re used to that amount of caffeine beforehand if you choose to go that route, because a single serve of preworkout usually has significantly more than a standard coffee and might not sit especially well on an empty stomach. 😬 ---
**Author:** ![Northshorerider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Northshorerider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Northshorerider)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2024, 8:54pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pre-workout-supplement-before-riding/94784/6 "2024-07-16T20:54:35Z")
Wakeups caffeine pills. 200mg and it gets you going! I thought I wouldn’t really notice it as I drink 3-4 cups of coffee a day, but those caffeine pills work really well. ---
**Author:** ![mathieurrr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mathieurrr/32/80189_2.png) [@mathieurrr](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mathieurrr)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2024, 8:58pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pre-workout-supplement-before-riding/94784/7 "2024-07-16T20:58:04Z")
For all those recommending caffeine pills, how long does it take for it to kick in ? ---
**Author:** ![BCM](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bcm/32/137631_2.png) [@BCM](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/BCM)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2024, 9:12pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pre-workout-supplement-before-riding/94784/8 "2024-07-16T21:12:11Z")
Maybe 15 minutes? You can make it faster if you open up the capsule and dissolve it in a little water first. Caffeinated gels are also quicker acting. Don’t buy bulk caffeine powder though - there are stories of people inadvertently screwing up the dosing and getting real sick or worse. ---
**Author:** ![BrianSpang](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/brianspang/32/142368_2.png) [@BrianSpang](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/BrianSpang)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2024, 10:32am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pre-workout-supplement-before-riding/94784/9 "2024-07-17T10:32:54Z")
Caffeine pills have been a lifestyle change for me. I used to drink a crazy amount of coffee every morning. Four years ago, I switched to 200mg caffeine capsules. My caffeine intake is 20% of what it used to be. Capsules are much more convenient (especially traveling). There’s a massive time savings. And they are so much cheaper than buying coffee. Finally, I don’t have to manage urine output on morning rides anymore. ---
**Author:** ![BrianSpang](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/brianspang/32/142368_2.png) [@BrianSpang](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/BrianSpang)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2024, 11:41am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pre-workout-supplement-before-riding/94784/11 "2024-07-17T11:41:23Z")
Interesting, thanks. I didn’t know that. I usually do wait that long; now I’ll make sure I do.