A Reoccurring Pattern With Elite Cyclists | Georgie Whitehouse Real World Bike Fit

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About Neill Stanbury: neillsbikefit.com.au
About the RCA: roadcyclingacademy.com
Expert Bike Fitter Neill Stanbury gives ARA Skip Capital Road Captain Georgie Whitehouse a bike fit. Georgie has been competing at a very high level for quite some time now. Neill has implemented some changes to ensure comfort and performance is at the forefront.
#cycling #bike #fit

[@chinaskibukowski7747]

Neill's mind is whip fast and his observation skills are second to none. Can we clone him and get him on a plane to the states?

[@scotj0667]

Personally I was thinking about making a trip to Colorado to get fitted by Colby Pearce. Both Neill and Colby, have been tutored by Steve Hogg.

[@gerlachsieders4578]

Heck no, the Dutch get him first

[@XX-is7ps]

Honestly I’d pay for the man’s flight to the UK at this point. I’ve been for bike fits in the past and not realised how cursory or poor they are before seeing from these videos just how detailed and insightful the process can really be

[@frenzalrhomb1]

If Neil did a "world tour" and came to the UK, I'd pay for a fitting 🤞

[@rogerhartley4456]

Can he call in to India 🇮🇳 on his way to the UK? He’d have to fly over us here!

[@Alan_Hans__]

Unbelievable how easy she gets into that incredibly aero position. It's amazing how Neill can pick those differences in gait and symmetry.

[@lukewalker1051]

A big aspect of what separates pro's from amateurs. Aero is huge on the bike.

[@Omnis2]

2:52 When Neill said "skeletally," my head bobbed around like a confused puppy.

[@SrFederico]

I was waiting for the notorious Selle SMP to make its appearance, but was dissapointed.

[@Aiden.K]

that body structure was born for racing!

[@lawrenceubell9596]

Not boring at all, even from us across the pond. These videos are really helpful to help all us non symmetrical human (which is most of us) set up ours bikes differently depending on our body differences. Thank you. Keep them coming.

[@BennyCornelissen]

This channel is not a bike fitting course... but it is. I especially enjoy the time Neil takes to explain what he's seeing, and the reasoning behind the changes he intends to make. Sucks I'm on a different continent. Neill, if you're ever in the Netherlands, can I book you for a fit? I'll arrange for the post-fit ride, and the beers 😉

[@mattdbridges]

ive learned so much watching this channel, thank you for your content!!

[@mathias8013]

These are some of the best vidoes about bike fit I have ever seen!

[@lukewalker1051]

Neill is brilliant. Best fitter I have seen. As to this young lady. No shocker she is very fast. Reminds me of the fastest girl I ride with my town. She routinely rides with a flat back such that she punches a very small hole in the wind for minimal drag on the bike and has world class olympic thighs aka big leg strength like this pro rider. Bad news for those trying to keep up. Since many of us are asymmetric...my left foot is 1/2 US shoe size longer than my right foot with commensurate leg length disparity, this particular fitting is very insightful. I wonder...Neill would know by his intersection with so many people he has measured...if more people are born asymmetric than symmetric? My guess is most humans are asymmetric. Thanks Neill for sharing your wisdom and to the pro rider for being a good sport and willing to be on camera as a teaching aid to us amateurs. PS. aside from dropping the front end on the pro's bike, I would suggest a narrower handlebar as well. Of course Neill would have likely taken this on as part of his fitting but most likely didn't because this bike has the dreaded integrated cockpit with internal cable routing which would take another video.

[@grantmcalpine6364]

I love watching you work Neill. 😀

[@DC-lu5qs]

0:08 absolutely not bored even a little bit, Neill. Every time I watch one of your videos I learn more about how my body and bike interact with each other. Your insight is amazing and interesting, and you explain things super well. Side note: hats off to Ms. Whitehouse for letting us see you nitpick every subtle irregularity in her body on camera. I don't think it can be comfortable for anyone. I appreciate all of your clients that let us see that process. Additional side note: mic her up! it was a bit hard to hear what she had to say.

[@mat_from_ballarat]

I love watching these videos. Fascinating stuff. Definitely not bored out of my mind!

[@carlnyman4903]

Please keep bringing out these videos. They are so insightful and entertaining!

[@PeterPutz82]

Great video Neil. I've paid for a Steve Hogg and Aaron Dunford bike fit, sort of fixed things but still have issues. After watching your approach, I'd be confident you'd diagnose and fix my issues where they fell short. Pity you're up north and I'm in Tassie. Can your life lagacy be to please train a few guys up and pass on your knowledge? I feel you're one of the few in the country if not world actually properly diagnosing issues and coming up with practical fixes. Keep up the great work.

[@warchalify]

Bikefit Academy? I see opportunities haha

[@twillyspanksyourcakes]

Neil has been trained by steve hogg and as far as I know you have a lifetime of adjustments with steve hogg approved fitters if a problem persists or arise.

[@gustavofring-thechickenman]

Neil is a wizard.... absolute joy watching all of these.

[@tommyrq180]

I’ll be interested to hear whether Georgie experiences a lot of various types of pain based on this change in position. Most elite athletes react negatively to even small changes in position. Some don’t, by the way, and these physiological outliers are very rare indeed. But as a long-time coach of elite cyclists, one has to be very careful about position changes and how they are integrated with training. A new saddle (seat) sponsor can throw a whole team into a bad place. Even though Georgie may have been put into a “better” position it will likely take time and miles to get comfortable. For what it’s worth, I’m an advocate of putting in very long endurance rides after position changes. I know that goes against the idea that one should gradually work into it. But with an elite athlete who’s doing a ton of miles, doing a long ride will typically see them uncomfortable for 60-80 miles, then really start to lock into the new position after that. Of course we have to watch for knee, foot, hip, neck pain all the way, but most riders seem to adapt more quickly to a new position this way rather than more gradual integration. Most riders also don’t want to hear that they should take a week or two of very gradual, low mileage to get used to a new position. I’m wondering what RCA does to “break in” a new position. 😊

[@wwiinndddd]

I have the same situation, right foot 5mm larger than my left one. And I know this for years (when I buy shoes for other sports) but I haven't adjust my cleats differently until I watched this video. Thanks for this one.

[@johnd101]

Some great insights! I made some adjustments to my saddle height and it made all the difference in my power output! Great information. Keep ‘‘em coming!

[@trouthunter4250]

What I am surprised by is that Neill would be surprised that anyone would be interested in his work. Fascinating application of anatomy.

[@thefinancedude9100]

Love this stuff!!!!!!! Keep making these videos please buddy

[@mikewatkins422]

Niell's a natural educator - Great stuff!!

[@Daimoku1938]

fantastic round shaped Future behind her !!! The Community stand totally all the way in behind her Future !!!! just keep on the good work !!!

[@flyingdutchmancycling7874]

Again, super interessant video! Keep them coming Neill!

[@JuanCarlosPieschacon]

Very professional. thank you for sharing.

[@kevinfrost1579]

Simply awesome, entertaining, practical and educational…………in short compelling. Great job could watch these all day thanks guys, excellent content and production values 👏 😁👍

[@danielhastings3707]

Best bike fit videos on the net🤙 always learn something with Neill.

[@daviddjerassi]

Proof positive that all Pro or semi Pros cyclists should have a bike fit this Fit was amazing such a depth of knowledge RCA + Cam the one and only youtube channel offering so much top class advice and its free thank you guys so much.

[@game-day870]

Neil - I want to thank you for creating this video. I have a left leg length discrepancy which I corrected with shims. Although it helped, I still had the sensation of losing control with a noticeable heel drop. This video prompted me to look at my feet and surprisingly, I also have a foot length discrepancy. I have since staggered my left cleat further back similar to this video and have noticed a significant decrease in heel drop and increased control at the bottom of the pedal stroke. I owe you a drink if you ever come to the states.

[@willbaren]

That was fascinating to watch and imagine trying to find that out on your own by trial and error. Also, elite athletes are on another level.

[@Xhadp]

As a person who also has a half-size difference between my feet (left-foot is about half-size smaller than my right) along with some other asymmetry problems that may or may not be related to my feet this video was really helpful to compare to my own experiences on the bike.

[@perrodjemark7987]

I am very happy that you are around and make these videos- you helping people /cyclists understand you are very competent thanks. P

[@tpickering99]

Excellent video! Please keep these real life bike fittings going!

[@ThePhantom1Mav]

Also enjoying the bike fit videos. Keep them coming.

[@patrickparisienne1917]

Awesome as always!

[@elizabethmcgovern9731]

Fantastic every team needs to get there riders bike fitted RCA + CAM amazing.

[@swites]

Great vid. Find it really fascinating. Just in how different people's function is on a bike(that flexibility and how low she can get on the front end!) and how tiny little discrepancies can cause large issues. Man you'd have an absolute field day with me! Won't go into details but man oh man I need some work! lol

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

Awesome!

[@Stephen.Saunders]

Fascinating as always Neill. Love the journey you take on these vids. It's like watching Sherlock Holmes at work 😁

[@AleksiJoensuu]

Not just the expertise, but Neill's "bedside manner" or the way he engages with the person here was really cool. I think Georgie also had fun and was encouraged. Getting your body and your way of doing your sport poked and prodded and analyzed might be a bit daunting, but Neill's way of talking probably made it a fun experience!

[@mauricetremblay1324]

I need to visit Australia. This guy is awesome!!!

[@Cuzzazbuzz]

10 years of cycling and you solved a saddle sore issue in previous video after many saddle bib short purchases.

[@scottbarrow9239]

superb. well done

[@MichaelThorne_za]

My body hurts just looking at that flexibility! Great video.

[@Zooga_Boy]

Aaaah.. yes. My weekly Neill Stanbury bikefitting therapy session.

[@bee_whisper]

honestly im the biggest advocate for bike fits and niel knows what he is talking about for sure

[@TreyCoursey]

Great Video!

[@mikebrundt6931]

I reeeeaaaally wanna get a check like this. I imagine there is loads of things that could be so easily fixed.

[@bikesavvy3654]

Great content again

[@zlatkomustovic1147]

He is fantastic guy:) I like him. Explaining very good and simple 😊 I most find my right position on bike.

[@sydfin]

Awesome bike fit.

[@SMarkGee]

great one. that described me a lot...so very helpful. surely if the right leg is shorter then that cleat change makes it even shorter???

[@AntonioDiaz]

What she’s a monster so impressive 😮

[@global_nomad.]

another fascinating episode....its good to see an expert at work and I think gives us all a measure of what type of attention to detail and analysis to expect when we visit someone for a bike fit....(whether or not we have the same specific issues)

[@EtO124]

Best videos!

[@frankspeakmore7104]

Another excellent video. I am curious about lowering the bars. What if any effect does this have on climbing on the tops or hoods? Also being on the drops compared to riding on the tops is the rider using different muscle groups to the back and hips? I think that there is a limited place for the use of lasers, it's ever so impressive that you can do such a fit by feel and sight, hats off to you and your skill/experience level.

[@hschofield82]

You have inspired me to experiment with offsetting my cleats as my left foot is shorter than my right, and I definitely have imbalances in my hips and lower body musculature.

[@hschofield82]

To add further, I would love an assessment and fit but I live just a touch far away.

[@ilcomendante]

Very interesting and informative

[@huntos83]

It’s important to note that overall foot length difference is actually not really relevant, it is the position of the 5th metatarsal joint (aka ball of your foot) relative to the foot length that is the important thing. Feet can be different length because the toes are longer on one foot, which makes no difference if the joint is in the same place both sides and in this situation you would expect the cleats to be equal. Equally the feet can be the same overall length both sides but the metatarsal joint in a different place which would require staggered cleats even though foot length is the same.

[@Sam-cy6cd]

Have the same problems. Right foot bigger than my left. Just tried the same by moving my right cleat forward and immediately felt a huge difference. Hopefully my knee pain will disappear. Was looking for a solution since 3 years and just found this video today. You guys should put foot length discrepancy in the video title as well!!!

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

If the stem and handlebar are in fact integrated , getting a substitute one with a very slight change in geometry may not be easy . Custom ones cost a "FORTUNE" due to toolmakers fees . If a non - propietary stem can be fitted or adapted , this would make achieving optimal position much easier . Many more options for these are available . Some propietary designs make it difficult for Neil to achieve the desired outcome , due to the bicycle brand's unwillingness to spend really high amounts of money on moulds , then offering a really wide range of options .

[@jondashun]

I want to be assessed and fitted by Neil. Had two fits, they both found a slight difference in leg length and still did not take it into account my wonky-ness. Same with the slight difference in my foot size. I’ve only recently started to adjust the cleats slightly asymmetrical but not to the extent shown in this video… Maybe worth a try since I always have the impression to only sit on my left sitbone after a while.

[@troycollett8540]

Would like to see you do a bike fit for a TT bike with some of the ARA riders

[@peteracain]

Definitely. More of these. I think we are all trying to fix ourselves by getting expert advice for free ;)

[@karaeyed5057]

Any suggestions for bikefitters in Perth at or close to Neil's Calibre?

[@yarlon2014]

Dont you have to adjust the seat heigt wenn staggering the cleats since moving the cleat forwards shortens the length on that one side?

[@Jarek.]

Note to self: 9:55 - feet length discrepancy. This is very unique knowledge....

[@Runner9264]

More bike fit pls. Would be nice to get a summary of all the changes and reco. Also maybe a ff up on how the rider is (if at all possible). I don’t mind more pretty cyclist doing bike fits. Beats seeing cam all the time LoL.

[@madyogi6164]

8:15 That one is pretty doable (I usually stay a bit higher), but 8:45 is insane for any longer ride.

[@DanTuber]

I got the same 5mm right foot difference. But not her hip flexibility.

[@mattfuller2730]

Great video as ever. It definitely hints at it here, but a future video on what exercises can be done to get a lower position would be good to see too. Presumably increasing internal rotation at the hip and ability to rotate the pelvis? I’ve got super tight hamstrings but seem to be able to get fairly low - is that due to back flexibility or will stretching hamstrings help too?

[@huntos83]

I just had a bike fit and my hamstrings are tight - the fitter was amazed at how low and flat backed I could get on the bike (comfortably and sustainably) for the level of tightness in my hamstrings. I can ride in a close to pro level aero hoods position and sustain it for a good hour solid. I think a lot has to do with lower back flexibility as well as core strength and time riding in these positions, obviously working on stretching your hamstrings will help but some riders have the ability to get into a good position even with tight hamstrings

[@Lemond75]

Neill’s a genius.

[@carlastein7945]

I have one foot that is 1/2” shorter than the other snd I had to get 2 pairs of shoes to get the cleats in the right place

[@edwingosens8798]

Hi Neil, great video. Im a little late to the party, but I was wondering if it would benefit someone like me to improve my internal hip rotation to get lower on the bike. Im a 27 year old male and have about 30-35 degrees of internal rotation on my ‘worst leg’. Would it be benificial if I tried to improve that, or would it be better to look elsewhere to increase my ability to get lower on the bike?

[@sigfreed11]

Follow-up to see about that new stem?

[@trajtemberg]

Is there a follow up?

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

To get anywhere near that level I'd have to lose the abdominal accumulation I have. She has amazing hip flexibility and that's a good thing. 5 mm difference in foot length is huge, not minimal and can cause major issues. She learned to compensate for it and removing that will definitely take time.

[@torchsight8258]

amateur prediction @ 5 min, seat is too high! :D I always enjoy watching pros work, you can learn so much, and it's somehow comforting to know that there's people in the world who are passionate about helping others (and enjoying the puzzle :) Spoiler alert: I was wrong, it's so much more interesting and complex :)

[@grantmcalpine6364]

I'm always amazed by the front end being high. What happens when the front end is high? I feel you've done a video on this.

[@thebr0wnhornet]

People tend to push their shoulder blades together and results in pain at the base of the neck

[@10ktube]

How do you tell if there is a glute engagement, both as a rider and someone watching the rider? Can you see it? What does it feel like, or not feel like?

[@kennywhite1890]

I really wish I could get a bike fitting from you. I'm unfortunately in South Korea with the US military, so that bike fitting won't happen anytime soon

[@iceguy8112]

My fiter said to do squat when I said my weight is put on arm, is it right? Thanks.

[@kelvin7511]

Lol "One big flipper" 🙂

[@mtsmithtube]

My right foot is bigger as well. I end up having a much tighter fit on the right foot unless I buy two pair of shoes (42 & 43). Do shoe manufactures sell individual shoes?

[@DAWMiller]

I see you're fitting the 2-degree float cleats, are you of the opinion that 0-degree is a bad idea for most (if not all) riders? I fund the 6-degree to be too much but have been repeatedly advised against the 0-degree red cleats... even though they match my bike best :(

[@janpieszka3300]

Neill you mentioned vast hips mobility that makes getting into aero position much easier. I would imagine Georgie is just very gifted genetically and one could not reach such mobility through practice as it is limited and defined by skeletal structure?

[@conordennehy8121]

stretching little and often will definitely get you 80% of the way there. But in my opinion as someone with literally zero formal physio education, i'd say that the hip mobility would be inherent to the individual due to the physiology and structure of the hip

[@chupa_mi_dongle]

I thought the comment about steering getting funny at 140mm was funny. Moving from 90 to 120 was enough to put me on the ground!

[@mrwhiteshorts]

so is it 'worth' going a size down, or putting a neg17deg stem on it? There are 35 and 70deg downward stems, but at 120mm +/- long thats going to be a lot of drop :)

[@WTC999]

my right foot is about 1 whole size diffrent from my left, also my left leg is a bit longer then the right. my hight is 185 cm, but my wingspan fingertip to fingertip is 196 cm. you would have a nightmare bike fitting me, ther is no symetry what so ever! :P

[@Anza_34832]

Like me, many cyclists experience numb hands/fingers/wrists on medium to long rides. I guess ergonomics might be the original cause behind that phenomenon. Could you do a video on that topic?

[@josephdanner773]

Probably too much pressure on hands. If your seat is in a good place, then longer stem might be an option.

[@Anza_34832]

@@josephdanner773 Hi Joseph, thank you for your tip! Luckily, my bike is old enough to have handlebar and stem being separate units. Best regards from Mexico!

[@josephdanner773]

@@Anza_34832 No problem, I'd also check out the angle of the shifters (lots of riders going more in (pronation) for both aero and comfort purposes), getting thicker and more cuchiony bar tape, and taking a look at your saddle and making sure your sit bones match the width. If you can't sit comfortably and aren't averaging 200+ watts on long rides (more power through the pedals means less pressure on hands and rear end), no doubt you'll lean forward and put too much pressure through the hands. Combine that with bad hand posture and pain/numbness is often the result.

[@Anza_34832]

@@josephdanner773 Thanks so much for all your advice, Joseph! I really feel like hopping on a plane to do a bike fitting with you.

[@josephdanner773]

@@Anza_34832 Haha no problem. I'm by no means an expert. I Just like riding my bike and watching these kinds of videos/ pro racing.

[@adamweb]

Me: Aimlessly moving my saddle around trying to get a better fit and makes it worse... Neill: Takes a 1 second look at Georgie and spits out 17 exact adjustments to make like ChatGPT 😂

[@lovenottheworld5723]

I think eighty percent of people have their right hip a bit more forward than the left. That would mean the ball is a bit back in the socket and could be pulled forward with a resistance band. On the other side the leg should be pulled back to bring the hip forward. You don't seem to be into this method.

[@EnigmaticAnomaly]

Any idea why I'd be sliding off to the left side of the saddle? I've gone higher and lower, forward and back, and I keep ending up leaning off to the left. I just never have been able to figure it out.

[@horstneumann725]

@ wooddevil.. worked for several year in bikefitting the way Neil does..retired/ 72 years..-:)). But maybe I still can help..mate. hearing your issue , I'm quite shure, your both legs are different size ,concerning length, maybe additional to an torqued hip, can be by nature, or caused by (sport) accidents, heavy crashes etc. ,causing an " functinal" lenght difference... listening to your special issue I recommend to move your left side cleat forward for 3 to max. 5 mm , guessing your left leg is shorter for 5 up to max. 15 mm. Or vice versa, if difference is the other way round and presuming correct saddle hight ,forward position, and cleats position from an physiologic ,anatomic and ergonomic point of vieuwe... after that your pedaling should instantly feel more " symmetric ", by your very own "subjective" impression... maybe it could additionally help to vary the " Q factor, t.i. , bringing one, maybe both feet nearer or more away from the crank. For your specific issue one or two additinal washers on right side pedal axle or shifting the right side cleat inwards to bring foot more "outside " ,can also have an big effect. Sorry that I must recommend " vice versa " , ' cause for an serious advice you must always see the athlet an check the result of your meashurements and you have to make an physiological check of the athlet at first..... But maybe it did give you help to search for the right direction in the right way... With help from Germany Horst Neumann

[@EnigmaticAnomaly]

@@horstneumann725 Thanks very much for your reply and great information. I decided to do a few ten minute low-cadence intervals this morning, and during them I payed closed attention to everything, from my positioning on the saddle to the feel of the pedal axle under my feet. I have come to the determination even before reading this that I might consider moving the left cleat forward a bit to push me back to center on the saddle. I'm going to do a similar workout again tomorrow and see if this help. Again. thank you very much for the information (including the extra washers on the right pedal, because I have noticed hot spots on the outside of right foot for years on longer rides, and always wondered what was up with that).

[@horstneumann725]

@ wooddevil dear friend, if leg lenght difference is the only issue, there 's still another great vid from Neill launched 11 days ago. Titeled " great solution for MTB and gravel cleat Systems " . Can be helpfull, if leg lenght difference is up to more than one, oneandhalf cm..... and please keep in mind that foot position is offen affected by shoetype, stiffness, innershoe support from insole - longitudinal or metadorsal arch and support et cetera, etc..... Everything can have effect on everything ....:-)) Hope you'll have an successful research trying to find out..

[@EnigmaticAnomaly]

@@horstneumann725 Thanks again. Yes, I agree, there are so many different variable that come into play that can throw everything out of whack. I tried the one cleat forward today but I really couldn't tell a difference because the exhaustion of the tension intervals had me shifting all about in the saddle. If anything at times it felt more off than usual. So I wonder if it's more to do with saddle height and set-back, and even leg fatigue leading to a loss of form. Another odd thing I notice is that I'm very heavy in the right arm, almost like I'm constantly shrugging that shoulder and forcing the arm into full extension while the left remains slightly bent and rest. Personally, I think I'm just all of whack, both proportionally and mentally. Ha!

[@Cyclingchoice]

The shoe size are the same, I don't understand how changing the cleat position will have an impact?

[@BrianMcDonald]

The difference is that with the smaller foot, the pressure/weight is being put on a different area than the big foot so by moving the cleat you get more even relative weight distribution when it comes to your body.

[@Cyclingchoice]

@@BrianMcDonald thanks that makes sense, thanks

[@user-tq3ud9zi7w]

Quote of the day "lets have a look at your gate"

[@bengt_axle]

I do have a leg length discrepancy of about 5-8mm, probably split 50/50 femur-tibia. I have never had any success with one cleat being moved back in relation to the other. It just does not feel right.

[@Unpreeeedictable]

That teaser photo is oddly erotic. But I guess that was the point 😉 Kidding aside, I’m humbled by Neill’s knowledge.

[@DISCOhooch]

I dont understand how to reduce load on quads, and make more load on hamstrings and glutes. Tell me someone please.

[@abedfo88]

move your saddle backwards or upwards depending on how low it is now

[@DISCOhooch]

@@abedfo88 Thanks bro i will try.

[@abedfo88]

@@DISCOhooch only a few mm at a time though, like 2mm increments

[@DISCOhooch]

@@abedfo88 Thank you!

[@DISCOhooch]

@@abedfo88 I went up by 2 mm, and now its better. Thanks again mate.

[@philipsimmonds1103]

wondering what neal and his ilk would have done with kipchoge/messi's awkward/unusual patterns .. probably b3st 2 let the athletes find the solution.

[@OneDougUnderPar]

Do you reckon Neil tells everyone they have better than average symmetry, just so they feel better about themselves? Might also be a business tactic, makes other folks think they should get a fit if the odds are against them.