Let’s get straight to the point: Formula 369 tastes awful. Like, shockingly bad. But also? I can’t deny that it worked like a charm.
I tried it for the first time on a 39.9-mile ride(I swear it was 40Miles), and it was one of my strongest efforts in weeks. My stats don’t lie:
- 2.5 hours in the saddle
- 2,542 calories burned
- Avg speed: 15.9 mph
- 879 ft of elevation gain
- And more than 9 PRs on the board
This wasn’t some casual spin. I was in tempo and threshold zones for the majority of the ride. My heart rate averaged 156 bpm, peaking at 181 bpm, and yet… no cramps, no burnout. I actually felt like I could’ve gone another 10–15 miles.
So What Is Formula 369?
It’s a super minimalist hydration formula — just three ingredients (or four, if you get the caffeinated version). I grabbed the full bundle after a follower DM’d me about it and passed along their discount code. (Shoutout to that random act of bike community kindness!)
I mixed two scoops into a 22oz bottle, sipped throughout the ride, and kept waiting for the usual signs of dehydration — heavy legs, muscle tightness, mental fog. But they never came.
The Catch? The Taste.
It tastes like straight-up urine. No exaggeration. I actually gagged on the first sip.
But… it kept me moving. It kept me focused. And it definitely helped my recovery, because I didn’t feel wrecked afterward like I usually do after long rides at this intensity.
I’m going to keep using it, but next time I’ll try mixing it with something else — maybe a splash of fruit juice, a flavor tab, or even a bit of lemon. I just need to mask that taste without screwing up the formula.
Final Thoughts
Hydration is one of the most underrated performance tools for cyclists. Formula 369 proved that for me — despite its horrific flavor. It might not win awards for taste, but when it comes to cramp prevention, energy stability, and endurance, it’s hard to beat.
Next ride? I’m crafting a Formula 369 cocktail.
BreakRoomBethesda 