Quote Originally Posted by maillotpois
Lower back pain can also be indicative of core strength issues. I find that when I am diligent about the core work, I don't get any low back pain at all - when I fall off the wagon and forget core for a few weeks, my lower back kills me on climbs.

i second this, but it might also be bike fit. i hurt my lower back, and then exacerbated it by riding a bike that was slightly too long.

Now i _really_ notice more pressure on my back when i don't do my pilates exercises. My physical therapist pointed out that even though i bike everywhere, that mainly works out my legs, but lets my core stomach/back muscles be lazy. Then she made me use my strong legs as weights. But if i get lazy, it's back to the back pain--especially when going up hill.