Lower back pain on bike

I am no expert on bike fits........but to me you look a bit scrunched up.

It is not normal to have that level of discomfort after only 15 miles.

I am assuming that you have had a bike fit? I would  go back to the fitter and tell him your concerns.

If you want the bike fit gurus here to look at your photo, why not post it in a separate "critique my fit" thread? You will get lots of opinions, like it or not!

Best of luck to you. 

You should be happy and comfy on your bike!

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And it might help if you put BOTH your feet in your shoes rather than just the left one. 

I'm no expert either, but you look way scrunched up ... if you were leaning forward with your elbows bent like you would if properly in the drops, you'd have to get your elbows out of the way of your knees.

The bike almost looks too small for you, too, but again, I really don't know and can't tell from one pic.

If you haven't had a fitting, get one. If you had, and you're confident in the fitter/highly recommended by cyclists, as Helen said, go back and get adjustments. If you weren't sure, get another fitting with another fitter.

That's a beautiful bike and you clearly want to ride; yeah, you should definitely be happy and comfy. Make it happen.

Check all of the above.

Bike could be a bit short in length considering your scrunched and elbows still look on top of the knees.

How is your core strength?  I picked up pilates after having been swimming for a year and doing my own things for a long time, and it made a noticeable difference.  Lots of balance and rotational strength gained.  Back pain is not necessarily a week back, could be the front muscles not strong enough to hold things in place.

How is flexibility?  Particularly around the hips, glutes and lower back.  hamstrings ok?  You're not in an aero tuck, but this can still have an effect.  Should be able to go beyond the needed range of motion without any effort.

Thanks for the thoughts everyone.

- I have not had a bike fit (will have to travel 90 min for one)
- I have a weak core and basically quit all core work to make more time for s,b,r. I think this suggestion is one of the best for me to consider. Can't believe I didn't think of this - but that's what you guys are for. My back will ache while doing the dishes!
- From what I read online, a sore back "stemmed" from being too stretched out so to hear that I'm scrunched up is surprising. My LBS is more into mountain bikes and isn't really into tris or racing roadies as much. He took my height and said 'this bike oughta work for ya.'
- Flexibility has always been an issue for me.

IMO....I think the frame is OK( you cannot go on pure height alone to size a frame even for MTB's ) ...just need to get a longer stem and that may take care of how compact you are in a riding position...hard to tell thou with only seeing you in the drops.

How does your back feel when you are out on the hoods?

Your sink's too low.

LBS situation not too good, maybe you should look into a fit as well.

IMO....I think the frame is OK( you cannot go on pure height alone to size a frame even for MTB's ) ...just need to get a longer stem and that may take care of how compact you are in a riding position...hard to tell thou with only seeing you in the drops.

How does your back feel when you are out on the hoods?

Trout, based on the times you've posted elsewhere I'm going to guess you're in quite good shape, and your back is at least averagely strong unless there are extenuating circumstances/previous injury.

The bike looks a fraction small, decent in size but perhaps not quite right for you. The angle from your torso to upper arm should be closer to 90 degrees, yours looks somewhat less, which is what suggests a small bike issue but see stem comment below.

It could be several things, all of which a proper fit would sort out for certain:

Seat too low.

Saddle moved too far forward.

Stem too short.

Too many spacers.

If it turns out the bike is indeed one size too small and you don't want to part with it, it might be an excellent candidate for aero bars, in which case a smaller frame could actually be an asset.