ABSTRACT
Via an innovative reading of mountain biking, this Introduction chapter outlines the importance of the collection. Following some important definitions, the reader is introduced to the notions of dominant, residual, and emergent structures of feeling, suggesting that these three modalities allow scholars and practitioners to move beyond static and essentialist readings of subculture. Subsequently, it highlights conflicts between mountain bikers and other users of outdoor space, and how these serve to highlight some of the most important issues of our catastrophic times. Finally, from their varying perspectives, each chapter in the collection is given a brief summary, with new insights offered on the significance of mountain bike culture in relation to identity, bodies, ecology, and the cultural politics of lifestyle sports.
