Isotonic, Electrolytes, Salt tabs and Me

[NoNameNoNumber]

Same thing?
I raced Vietnam 70.3 last weekend, all they supplied was Revive Isotonic on the bike and run. I took 750ml of strong High 5 2:1 with me and I went well. Didn't need to smash loads of gels and didn't eat at all.
Usually when I ride I'll take a bottle of 2 High 5 Zero electrolyte tabs and a bottle of 4:1 which again seems to work but I do get some cramping reasonably often on longer rides.
So last week has got me thinking that maybe I'm better off with just using Zero and supplement with gels if needs be/longer days out.

This has got me reading into it a little bit and just confusing myself further!
Do they actually help stave off cramp or not? If so what are the key ingredients I need to look out for?

Sorry for the vague post, I'd like to get to the bottom of this cramping issue though, it's plagued me for years even before the triathlon stuff.
I've tried drinking loads, 1.5L over 30 miles then refill. The other week I did 100 miles on 1.5L and a coffee with no cramping... No rhyme or reason!

Cheers guys

 

[NoNameNoNumber]

This is well worth a listen: https://www.spreaker.com/user/9430086/coaches-convo-episode-1-cramps-compressi

Thanks, stuck with it but found all of the tangents they ran off on very distracting and irrelevant. Some interesting points though RE cleat position and calf cramp, despite not being an area I really suffer with.

To reiterate, preventing salt loss & perspiration is better than band-aiding it with endless salt tablets As is properly warming up & down.

Of course it's unavoidable sometimes but dressing for the conditions, using arm & knee warmers rather than long sleeves & tights gives you some versatility (I use UV screens to keep windchill off when I don't actually need to be kept warm). Not wearing a cap so your head sufficiently cools Buying lightweight/summer kit. Loosening your helmet, spinning out & cooling off at the top of climbs rather than stopping dead etc.

I never seem to struggle in the heat. Many many laps of Lanzarote and not once cramped. 70.3 in Vietnam and not one cramp... slow 70 miler round here and I can be in bits. Assuming it is the sartorius discussed above, if I get that mid ride I have no option but to get off the bike and cry roadsidee!
No idea how to stretch it out.
Although yes I agree, getting cold out on the road can be troublesome.