Can anybody talk me down from buying a bicycle?

[IdolEyes787]

I kind of wish now that you guys talked to me on a much lower level about these things (on account of my autism). For instance, that just because the bike pump was reading 120 psi, the tires were most certainly not at 120 psi; try somewhere between 40-60 psi based on touch. There are these little screw things on the stem that I was sure were just for decoration or left by accident by the manufacturer, turns out you need to do things with them. I feel like it's easier to speed now.

The rubber side goes down.

[IdolEyes787]

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/presta-schrader.html

Under normal circumstances you should run your tires(like your car tires) at the suggested pressure in this case to prevent "pinch flats". In wet conditions though you may want to run them at around 100 psi for a little better traction( surface area etc).
If it's very hot, let out a little air so they don't go boom.

[mjmacky]

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/presta-schrader.html

Under normal circumstances you should run your tires(like your car tires) at the suggested pressure in this case to prevent "pinch flats". In wet conditions though you may want to run them at around 100 psi for a little better traction( surface area etc).
If it's very hot, let out a little air so they don't go boom.

I learnt it all by myself, but now I know it's called a presta valve. Recommendations were 100-145 psi, I thought 120 psi to be a nice compromise.

[mjmacky]

I also learned it was the bike pumping hissing at me and not my valve. I really should have been tipped off by the pure volume of air, but I guess that would have required an understanding of how a presta valve works.

[Snee]

I kind of wish now that you guys talked to me on a much lower level about these things (on account of my autism). For instance, that just because the bike pump was reading 120 psi, the tires were most certainly not at 120 psi; try somewhere between 40-60 psi based on touch. There are these little screw things on the stem that I was sure were just for decoration or left by accident by the manufacturer, turns out you need to do things with them. I feel like it's easier to speed now.

Been there. Done that. Did not want to spoil the surprise.

[mjmacky]

Been there. Done that. Did not want to spoil the surprise.

How reassuring, at least I'm able to be since I didn't blow out a tire.

[Snee]

On a slightly more serious note, it probably happens to most people. Assuming they don't get told. Had forgotten all about it, tbh.

Not very intuitive. Best valves around for toobz, though, imo.

[Snee]

Oh, and speaking of bikes, I just rode my single speed 20" tyre folding bike ~20 miles out into the countryside. Pretty neat, in a way. No bike computer or shifters, much less distracting, somehow. Might do this again, every now and then.

[mjmacky]

On a slightly more serious note, it probably happens to most people. Assuming they don't get told. Had forgotten all about it, tbh.

Not very intuitive. Best valves around for toobz, though, imo.

To be honest, I had to deflate my tire completely before I figured it all out.

[IdolEyes787]

On a slightly more serious note, it probably happens to most people. Assuming they don't get told. Had forgotten all about it, tbh.

Not very intuitive. Best valves around for toobz, though, imo.

To be honest, I had to deflate my tire completely before I figured it all out.

At least you stopped short of hitting stuff with a hammer.