Hont
Guru
Coke is fine, the caffeine can give you a boost along with the sugar. It's better if it's flat though as needing to belch can be problem when you're breathing hard. There are other drinks that will keep you hydrated better, but dehydration tends to be overstated as an issue when exercising in non-extreme environments.
It's best to obtain most of your ride calories from solid food that you chew. That way the digestive process begins before it hits your stomach - which is why some people don't get on with gels. Someone mentioned Malt-loaf, which is very good (and relatively cheap), as are sandwiches and bananas. Individually wrapped fruit bars/cereal bars are less messy though.
