Bruno, if you don't mind sharing...

How DO you inflate/deflate via presta valves? Do you need a special pump attachment?

A month and counting, I've NEVER checked my tire pressure and I probably should. I have an air compressor in my vehicle with a built-in guage but I'm afraid it will fill the little road tire much too quickly. That is assuming I could somehow attach that to the valve in the first place.

What's the deal with presta, anyway? Did someone specifically set out to manufacture a valve to confuse newbies?

It astounds me that my nearest bike shop (90km away; not especially 'local') failed to mention so many things to me about my new bike. For example, what tool was needed to adjust the seat (allen key... who would have guessed?), or what the deal was with the valves. None of this is in the owner's manual, and I definitely told them that my last bike was a clunker from the 70s so I knew approximately nothing.

Thanks for the tire pressure memo, Tori!