How much tire pressure?

[vickb1402]

Hello!

I've been cycling for a month now. I cycle 4-5 times a week around Central Park (btwn 18-24 miles) and try to get out with the cycling club I've just joined at least once a week for a 50-miler.

I was advised by the bike shop where I bought my bike (48cm Specialized Dolce - tires are 700 x 23c Specialized All Condition Sport) to pump my tires to 120psi (the range on my tires says 115-125) but having posted this same question on the cycling club message board and read some of the responses, this is apparently way too much and really I should be inflating 100 psi max, even less, and that the pressure should be slightly more on the rear.

Most of the answers I got were from men who are all taller and heavier than I am, so I would LOVE to hear from some ladies who are maybe of a similar frame to me - 5'3" and about 145lbs (for the time being at least . . .) I've seen the chart in a previous thread, but I'd just like to see some quick numbers from you.

What's your advice? What do you inflate to? What is the lowest/highest I could go before having to worry about flats?

Thanks in advance.