Road Cycling Academy
Massive Loss of Power on the Bike? (This may be to blame...)
updated
Esther shares how training with the RCA has been a game-changer compared to her previous coaching experiences.
Having a plan that’s tailored to her goals and mapped out a month in advance has made all the difference — helping her stay consistent while still balancing life’s commitments.
That’s what sustainable, smart training is all about.
#cycling #roadcycling
Most cyclists have never heard of the sacroiliac joint (SI joint) — but according to expert bike fitter and physiotherapist Neill Stanbury, it might be the single most important joint for cycling performance.
In this video, Neill breaks down:
✅ What the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) actually is
✅ Why pelvic torsion and asymmetry cause pain and power loss on the bike
✅ How dysfunctional SI joints affect hip alignment and pedal stroke
✅ The link between SI joint dysfunction, endurance, and injury risk
✅ Practical steps to correct asymmetry and restore balance
Pain is the biggest limiter of cycling performance. When the SI joint becomes torsioned or jammed, it disrupts hip mechanics, forces compensations, and drains energy. Neill explains why this “small” joint has such a massive impact on your power, endurance, and comfort.
If you’re struggling with cycling pain, hip instability, or recurring asymmetries, this video is a must-watch.
#cycling #bikefit
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
#cycling #roadcycling
#cycling #roadcycling
Bike-fit expert Neill Stanbury puts three budget 3D-printed options to the test and explains who they suit — comparing shapes, cut-outs, carbon rails, durability, and comfort. Not sponsored.
What we cover:
AliExpress saddles vs premium (3D printed TPU, carbon rails 7×9)
Riot Air Code (Pro Stealth-style): broad back, wide nose, deep cut-out — great for riders who rotate pelvis forward and need perineum pressure relief
Riot Ultimate: narrower platform for riders with narrow sit bones
MIX 5D: ultra-light, flexible shell, big rear rise — for very narrow sit bones (100 mm) and lots of inner-thigh clearance
Why fit first (saddle height, setback, reach, drop, cleats) often fixes “saddle problems”
Cut-out vs no cut-out: when a channel is near-mandatory
How sit-bone width & wing taper reduce chafing and numbness
The reality: trial-and-error beats guessing — how to test smarter
Saddles:
aliexpress.us/item/3256806588404279.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.60.3a521802fqOsDG&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
aliexpress.us/item/3256805023659024.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.2.43b1ceFCceFC6k&aem_p4p_detail=202509091752227522603052222160000820961&algo_pvid=35e0c3ed-3bf1-474f-b569-ae3c3f4f9121&algo_exp_id=35e0c3ed-3bf1-474f-b569-ae3c3f4f9121-1&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%229372%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%7D&pdp_npi=6%40dis%21USD%21120.14%2151.66%21%21%21850.83%21365.86%21%402103209b17574655424446761e4a8e%2112000034547244108%21sea%21US%210%21ABX%211%210%21n_tag%3A-29910%3Bd%3A7a17306a%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895&curPageLogUid=g5TWXNYYRSJj&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A%7Cx_object_id%3A1005005209973776%7C_p_origin_prod%3A&search_p4p_id=202509091752227522603052222160000820961_1
aliexpress.us/item/3256804405056554.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
Expert bike fitter Neill Stanbury has found there’s no real correlation between your inseam measurement and your correct saddle height. Why? Because saddle height isn’t just about leg length—it’s influenced by flexibility, pelvic rotation, foot angle, crank length, and more.
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Think Pro Stealth performance without the sky-high price tag. In fact, some would argue it’s not just a copy, but better engineered and better value.
For riders chasing aero gains without breaking the bank, the Ryet Aircode is proving to be a serious contender.
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Even better? The validation is coming not just from the numbers, but from the riders he trains with, all noticing how much stronger he’s gotten in such a short time. That’s the power of structured training with the RCA!
Keep it up David, exciting times ahead!
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Finding the right road bike saddle can feel impossible — but it doesn’t have to be.
In this video, bike fitting expert Neill Stanbury takes you inside his studio process, showing exactly how he helps riders eliminate saddle pain and finally achieve comfort on the bike. Rather than guessing between endless saddle models, Neill demonstrates how bike fit fundamentals — from seat height and setback to cleat position, reach, and drop — have a bigger impact on comfort than the saddle design alone.
Why saddle pain often isn’t the saddle’s fault
Most riders blame the saddle when they experience numbness, chafing, or soft tissue pressure. But Neill explains that these issues often begin with an incorrect bike fit. Saddle tilt, crank length, hip rotation, and even handlebar drop all affect how your weight is distributed. Without addressing those basics, no saddle swap will solve the discomfort.
Sit bone width and saddle shape
Neill demonstrates how to measure sit bone width, one of the most overlooked factors in choosing a road bike saddle. From there, he explains the importance of narrowing your options between narrow, mid-width, and wide saddles, and why a mismatch here can lead to chronic pain or loss of power.
He also discusses how flat vs. curved saddles interact with different pelvic shapes. A flat saddle might feel great for a rider with more pelvic rotation, while a curved profile can offer much-needed support for those who ride with a more upright hip angle.
The role of saddle cutouts and nose design
Cutouts aren’t just marketing gimmicks. According to Neill, most riders benefit from a saddle cutout because it reduces pressure on soft tissue and promotes blood flow. He also breaks down how nose length and taper influence comfort when climbing, sprinting, or riding in an aggressive aero position.
Why trial-and-error is part of the process
Even with perfect measurements, some level of trial-and-error is unavoidable — but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Neill shows why investing in a professional bike fit can actually save money compared to buying and reselling saddles endlessly.
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What you’ll learn in the video:
• Why correct bike fit (seat height, setback, cleat alignment, handlebar reach, and drop) matters more than the saddle itself.
• How to measure sit bone width and use it to refine your saddle search.
• The difference between flat vs. curved saddles and their effect on pelvic support.
• Why most road cyclists benefit from a saddle cutout.
• How to choose between narrow, mid, or wide saddles for comfort, power transfer, and injury prevention.
• The reality of trial-and-error, and why a bike fitting session can shortcut the process.
👉 Check out our full Bike Fit Fundamentals course here: [roadcyclingacademy.com/bike-fit-fundamentals]
If you’ve wasted money on saddle after saddle, or if you’ve been suffering with saddle pain, numbness, or discomfort on longer rides, this guide will help you make informed choices and ride pain-free.
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#cycling #bikefit #roadbike #saddlecomfort #bikefitting #sitbonewidth #roadcycling #saddlepain #cyclingcomfort #cyclingtips #saddleanalysis #cyclingperformance #cyclinglife #cranklength #cyclinginjuries #roadcyclinglife #cyclingtraining #pelvicsupport #cyclinghealth #cyclingposition #bikefittingtips #cyclingbiomechanics #bikefittingexpert #cyclingsetup #cyclinggear #cyclingfit
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Sports dietitian Steph Cronin explains why carbs are key to replenishing energy stores, speeding up recovery, and getting you ready to go again!
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
#cycling #roadcycling
15% Off code (first 10 people): RCAYouTube15BFF
Is inseam measurement really the key to finding your perfect saddle height? For decades cyclists have been told that multiplying inseam length by a formula (like the old LeMond method) will set them up correctly.
But here’s the truth: inseam measurement for cyclists is unreliable.
In this video, expert bike fitter and sports physiotherapist Neill Stanbury explains why inseam measurement doesn’t correlate with saddle height — and why experienced fitters no longer use it.
You’ll learn:
✅ What inseam measurement actually is
✅ Why the inseam x 0.883 formula (LeMond method) is outdated
✅ 5 reasons inseam measurement fails (anatomy, pelvic rotation, femur angle, soft tissue, saddle design)
✅ The best way to set saddle height without inseam
If your bike fitter still bases saddle height on inseam, that’s a red flag 🚩. Performance, comfort, and injury prevention come from how your body moves on the bike, not a single number on a tape measure.
#cycling #inseam
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
In one of our recent RCA bike fits, Neill Stanbury breaks down exactly what we’re looking for when assessing asymmetry. Subtle imbalances off the bike often show up on the bike too — affecting comfort, efficiency, and even long-term injury risk.
By identifying and addressing these patterns early, we can help you ride smoother, stronger, and pain-free.
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
RCA Member Esther reflects on her past training and shares how the RCA helps her adapt to a busy schedule—making sure she still gets the best results from the time she has.
Amazon Link: bit.ly/roadcyclingacademy
Discount Code: RCA678 (offers 15% off)
Online Bike Fit Program with Neill: roadcyclingacademy.com/bike-fit-fundamentals
In this video we have a very unusual situation, where our client, Graham, has been in a very unfortunate incident. This left Graham with a near fused left ankle with limited mobility. Getting Graham comfortable on the bike meant we had to come up with some very unique solutions!
#PRUNGO #FluxGo #PRUNGORedLightTherapy #RedLightTherapy #Recvoery #PainRelief
When was the last time you checked your cleats? Even the smallest shift from your optimal position can lead to pain, injury, and potentially costly setbacks.
Here’s a quick hack: once your cleats are properly set up, mark their position with a white-out pen. By checking these markings regularly, you’ll spot any movement before it causes problems.
A 2-minute check could save you weeks off the bike — and thousands in recovery costs.
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
The key takeaways? Getting his nutrition right, training his gut to tolerate more food and gels, and developing a better feel for events — all helping him perform with more confidence and consistency.
#cycling #roadcycling
Cranks: https://elilee.com.au/x-novanta-full-carbon-cranks/
Neill Stanbury has completed detailed power testing across multiple crank lengths — 155mm, 160mm, 165mm, and 172.5mm. The big takeaway? Changing crank length is never an isolated swap. It forces position adjustments across saddle height, setback, reach, and hip angle, and can dramatically alter your cadence, power output, and aerodynamic position 
What the testing revealed
Neill ran a strict protocol in his clinic, repeating sprint and endurance efforts across each crank length. The results showed a clear trend:
Peak sprint power increased with longer cranks, with around an 8–10% gain between 155mm and 172.5mm lengths. That’s a difference of nearly 70 watts in max output — a meaningful jump if you race crits or rely on short, explosive efforts
Longer cranks also improved performance in 30-second max efforts, favouring riders who need raw torque and neuromuscular power.
Shorter cranks, on the other hand, allowed Neill to ride more comfortably in an aero position, holding 1–1.5 km/h higher speeds at the same power on the road. This suggests that for time trialists and triathletes, the aerodynamic benefit may outweigh the small loss in max power.
Zone 2 efficiency? Largely unchanged across crank lengths when measured by heart rate, but aerodynamics again became the deciding factor outdoors.
The trade-offs riders need to consider
Crank length isn’t about “short vs. long is better.” It’s about matching your body mechanics and event demands:
Short cranks (155–160mm): Better for riders with limited hip mobility, shorter legs, or those chasing aerodynamic gains in time trials and triathlon. Require higher cadence and reduce burst acceleration in bunch rides.
Mid-range cranks (165mm): A balance between cadence efficiency and torque, suitable for most road cyclists who want versatility.
Long cranks (172.5mm): Stronger for sprinting, climbing at lower cadences, and maintaining bunch speed. Less aero and can increase pelvic rocking or discomfort for some riders .
Neill’s verdict: there’s no one-size-fits-all crank length. Your goals (crit racing, Ironman, road racing), your body mechanics (hip mobility, leg length, cadence capacity), and your preferred riding style all determine which length works best.
And stay tuned! A follow-up test with sprinter Craig Wiggins, who produces double Neill’s sprint power, will compare how different body types respond to crank length changes .
#cycling #roadcycling #cyclingsetup #cranklength #bikefit #bikefitting #cyclingperformance #cyclingcomfort #cadence #poweroutput #cyclingposition #cyclingbiomechanics #saddleheight #cyclingtraining #cyclinggear #cyclingfit #aerodynamics #cyclinginjuries #roadbike #cyclingtips
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
#cycling #roadcycling
Use code: RCAYouTube15 (strictly first 10 people only)
Research paper: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7518025
Short on time but still want to maintain – or even boost – your cycling fitness? In this video, I’ll share a powerful, research-backed session that you can do either on the road or on your indoor trainer.
You’ll learn:
1️⃣ How to execute the workout – sets, reps, warm-up, and recovery explained
2️⃣ How often to include it – and where it fits in your training plan
3️⃣ Real-world results – my 16-week experience using this session (and why it works so well for time-crunched cyclists)
This workout is based on published sports science and adapted by RCA coach Carter Bettles. It’s been shown to help maintain FTP, improve sprint power, and even build durability – all with just 30-second sprint intervals once per week.
🔥 Key benefits:
Maintain and improve fitness during off-season or low-volume training blocks
Build sprint power and fatigue resistance
Simple to execute in under 1 hour
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
#cycling #roadcycling
Full video available on our RCA YouTube Channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
#cycling #roadcycling
Discount code: RCA15 (offers 15% off)
Online Bike Fit Program with Neill: roadcyclingacademy.com/bike-fit-fundamentals
Neill Stanbury is back on the tools fitting Stuart to one of his lovely Cinelli's. Stuart came in complaining about left leg phantom pain and losing control of his left foot. Neill dived straight in and found quite an unusual solution to Stuart's problem. Watch on to learn more!
#cycling #roadcycling #bikefit #bikefitting
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Don't let your busy schedule deter you from achieving you highest cycling potential!
#cycling #roadcycling
Elilee Cranks: https://elilee.com.au/x-novanta-full-carbon-cranks/
Neill Stanbury has finished testing 155mm, 160mm, 165mm, and 172.5mm cranks — and his favourite is still the 165mm. One key insight: you have to adjust your position more than most people think to properly accommodate different crank lengths. Full power data and comparisons coming soon!
#Cycling #RoadCycling #CyclingSetup
Endurance bikes might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you're tackling long-distance rides, rough roads, or just need a reliable bike for everyday training, endurance bikes are built for it all.
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
#cycling #roadcycling
Discount code: RCA15 (offers 15% off)
Online Bike Fit Program with Neill: roadcyclingacademy.com/bike-fit-fundamentals
In this video, Neill Stanbury tackles a complex bike fit for a rider who’s struggled with persistent saddle issues for years. The solution? Addressing a complicated asymmetry problem — including the use of two different pedal spindle lengths! Watch as Neill diagnoses and resolves the issue in real time.
#Cycling #RoadCycling #BikeFit #SaddlePain #CyclingSetup
Full video available on our RCA YouTube channel.
#cycling #roadcycling
When Joshua joined RCA, he was ready for change, and he showed up. With expert coaching, a clear plan, and a community that pushes you to be better, he dropped 32 pounds and gained an incredible 112 watts on his FTP!
That’s not just fat loss. That’s not just FTP. That’s a complete performance transformation, built on consistency, accountability, and smart training.
Joshua’s journey is proof: when you have the right system, the results will come.
#cycling #roadcycling #training


