The new bikes and the new bike riders; here's help matching your needs with today's bike choices

Sunset, Oct, 1986

You can avoid that by ordering platform or touring pedals ($15 to $80), which are slightly dished to accommodate ordinary sports shoes. They also accept toe clips.

Ball bearings only interest most people when they break down or seize up. If you want to avoid maintenance, or if you ride in dusty or wet conditions a lot, order a bike with fully sealed cartridge bearings. They're expensive but turn more easily than the unsealed kind and can go thousands of miles with no attention.

Paint, restorations. The easiest way to spruce up an old frame is with new paint. Specialists (bike shops can direct you) will usually do the job for $70 to $130. If you want a restoration, original paint-matching and decals included, there are specialists for that too. One that's here in the West is CyclArt, 410 Cribbage Lane, San Marcos, Calif. 92069. Restoration averages $175, shipping $10.

Where to buy a bike, how to get more involved

Lots of places sell bicycles, but if you're shopping for your first good bike, try an established local shop. They'll assemble the bike, fit it to you, and take care of problems you might have later.

To get more involved in touring, racing, or group and family rides, write American Youth Hostels, Box 37613, Washington, D.C. 20013. They'll put you in touch with the AYH Council nearest you (some, like the San Diego Council, sponsor 50 rides monthly). Or write to Bicycle USA, 6707 Whitestone Rd., Suite 209, Baltimore, Md. 21207.

For more information on off-road cycling, write National Off-Road Bicycle Association, Box 1901, Chandler, Ariz. 85244.

Photo: All-terrian bikes, for city streets or mountain trails

"These bikes are well named. Mine sees the most action on city streets, where ruts and curbs don't slow it down, but my son does most of his riding in the mountains. For a teenager, the bike's built-in strength is never wasted'

Photo: Made for the road, touring bikes are strong, comfortable

"Bicycle camping, a little commuting, and a lot of local riding make a touring bike the best choice for me. And the 15 speeds I've got really flatten out the hills.' A stronger frame and longer wheel base make her touring bike a little more stable under heavy loads than her friend's bike, which is a 12-speed sport-touring model

Photo: All-purpose, easy-to-find, it's a sport-touring bike

"I don't ride in time trials, but I do cycle to work every day. For that and some weekend rides, a sport-touring bike is perfect.' The one she's on is a bonded (glued) aluminum-and-ateel bicycle made in Seattle

Photo: Racers: light, fast, and great for fitness

"I enjoy keeping fit, but my real love is competition; I use this 12-speed lightweight road-racing bike to train for track races. Its gears are on the high side, and components are all light and top quality'

Photo: One of many choices, handlebar style is up to the buyer. On new bikes, most shops will trade uprights for downturned bars, or vice versa, often for just a labor charge

Photo: One-speed cruiser is what you ask for if you want the fat-tire easy rider of old. It's uncomplicated, great for flat country