Jeff Barber

Jeff co-founded Singletracks with his wife Leah in 1998 and has been dedicated to sharing the mountain bike information that inspires others to take epic adventures ever since. He started mountain biking in high school and served in the US Air Force before devoting himself full time to Singletracks in 2007.

Though formally educated as an engineer, Jeff began writing stories at an early stage, inspired by his mother who is a longtime accomplished author. He enjoys covering the world of mountain biking from every possible angle, whether it's trails or gear or skills. His goal for every story: that readers learn at least one new thing.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Trail, XC, and bikepacking.
  • Mountain biking since: 1992
  • Number of products reviewed: ?. I think my first product review for the site was this one for a plastic wallet.
  • Current stable: Canyon Neuron, Orange P7 hardtail, and Scott Fun XC

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Duke University
  • Masters of Business Administration, Duke University
  • Other publications: Panther Press (Lakeside High School - Augusta, GA), CitySearch.com
 
A mountain biker riding down a rocky slope in a lush, wooded area with bright green leaves and sunlight filtering through the trees.
Close-up view of a bicycle tire tread, showing a textured surface with distinct patterns designed for traction. The tire has visible dirt and debris, indicating it has been used on rugged terrain. The background is slightly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A modern mountain bike positioned on green grass, surrounded by trees. An orange "Buy Now" button with a medical symbol overlay is featured prominently.
  2
Image of a control panel for an electric device, featuring various buttons and indicators. Labels indicate functions such as "Assist down," "Assist up," "Battery level display," "Motor Assistance LED," and "Lights On/Off." The design is sleek and modern, set against a light background.
  4
A winding dirt path leads through a desert landscape, surrounded by sparse vegetation, low shrubs, and rocky formations under a cloudy sky.
  3
Podcast hosts engaged in conversation, with one man on the left wearing glasses and a patterned shirt, speaking into a microphone, and a woman on the right smiling, wearing a cap and headphones, with a cozy background featuring framed posters and a plant.
A collection of bicycles displayed against a pink background, featuring various models and styles. The text in the center boldly states "SAVE UP TO 51%".
Close-up of a bicycle hub showing the bearings and surrounding spokes, with some dirt and wear visible on the surface. The background features a textured surface, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  6
A mountain biker navigates a narrow, rocky trail along a ridge with steep cliffs on either side. The landscape is rugged and mountainous, under a clear blue sky. In the background, rolling hills and lakes can be seen, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
  1
Close-up of a bicycle frame featuring the word "STRAGGLER" emblazoned in a playful font on a teal-colored metal surface, with a blurred natural background.
  4
A close-up image of a stationary bike roller with a wheel in contact with the rollers. The device features the logo "TRP" prominently displayed on the front and includes a "powered by Sinter" label. The setup allows for indoor cycling training or testing.
  3
Close-up of a bike's head tube showcasing a metallic emblem with a stylized design, featuring two water droplets and a creature, mounted on a sleek gray frame. The image is set against a blurred natural background, indicating an outdoor environment.
  5
A helmet mounted on a testing apparatus, featuring a simulated head form, with adjustable supports and pneumatic lines in the background. The setting appears to be a laboratory or research facility focused on safety equipment testing.
A collage of men's apparel, including a plaid shirt, a gray quarter-zip top, black shorts with a design, a red and black flannel shirt, a black long-sleeve shirt, and a blue long-sleeve shirt. The prominent text in the center reads "UNDER $50," highlighting affordable clothing options. The background is a soft beige color.
  2
A mountain biker gracefully jumps off a rocky ledge in a forest with autumn foliage, capturing a moment of action in a natural outdoor setting.
  12
Alt text: Close-up view of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, featuring a black and silver design, with a chain running through the derailleur and a dark background.
  6
A brightly colored mountain bike resting on rocky terrain with a mountainous landscape in the background. The bike features a turquoise and lime green frame, wide tires with knobby tread, and is positioned at an angle to showcase its design and surroundings.
  5
Close-up of a digital display mounted on a bicycle frame, showing a speedometer reading 0 km/h and a battery level indicator at 100%. The display features a sleek design with a circular speed gauge and icons in a modern aesthetic, set against a light blue frame background.
  3
Close-up view of a mountain bike's crankset and rear suspension. The image features a shiny metallic frame, a black chainring, and a bright red Squirt lubricant applicator attached to the crank arm. Additionally, part of the bike's tire and drivetrain components are visible, showcasing a blend of functional and aesthetic elements in the bike's design.
  8
An assortment of bike brake components, including a silver disc rotor, a brake lever, brake pads, and hose segments, displayed against a vibrant orange background with flame-like graphics. The text "UPGRADE YOUR BRAKES" is prominently featured at the bottom.
A young boy wearing a blue helmet and a t-shirt rides a mountain bike on a dirt track with smooth bumps, surrounded by greenery and a wooden fence in the background.
  15
Two people are riding mountain bikes in an open grassy area, each accompanied by a dog. The riders wear different colored shirts and helmets, while the dogs are attached to leashes connected to the bikes. In the background, various trees create a lush green landscape, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.
  1
Close-up view of a metal detector's search coil, with a focus on its underside. The coil is black, showing some signs of wear and dirt, and features attachment points for a shaft. A blurred, green and natural background suggests an outdoor setting.
  1
A close-up view of a bicycle drivetrain, showcasing a chain running over a silver cassette and crankset, featuring a black rear derailleur. The components are set against a dark, reflective surface, emphasizing their metallic finish and intricate design.
  7
A man stands beside a sign that reads "Coldwater Mountain Forever Wild Land State of Alabama." He is smiling and holding a water bottle, with a background of lush green trees and a hiking path.
  1
American flag waving against a cloudy sky, with mountainous silhouettes in the background.
  3
A collection of outdoor gear and equipment, including a paddleboard, cooler, portable power station, drone, a bike, sunglasses, a camping stove, a storage case, and a climbing ladder, set against a gradient background.
A mountain biker navigates a rocky downhill trail during a race, surrounded by cheering spectators in a lush, green forest. The biker wears a helmet and protective gear, with a distinct jersey, as they maneuver through the challenging terrain. In the background, fans of varying ages watch intently, some recording the action with their phones.
  8
A person wearing a helmet and carrying a bicycle walks along a rocky trail surrounded by lush greenery and steep rock formations. Another bicycle is being carried by a companion nearby. Sunlight illuminates the scene, creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
Two Garmin smartwatches are displayed against a dark, smoky background. The left watch shows a message notification from "Krystal C" with the text "Dinner? I'm starving." and a reply button. The right watch indicates an incoming call from "Jeremy B" with options for voice and audio interaction. The watches have rugged designs, emphasizing their outdoor capabilities.
  2
A mountain biker performing a jump off a large rock on a scenic dirt trail, surrounded by sparse vegetation and rocky terrain under a clear blue sky. The bike features wide tires, and the rider is wearing a helmet and athletic gear.
  1
A close-up image of a measuring scoop with white powder positioned on a round black surface. In the background, there is a white container labeled "Electrolyte Booster" showing its nutrition facts, and a yellow beverage container partially visible with the word "PERC" on it. The image is set on a light-colored countertop.
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike frame, featuring a vibrant metallic finish with swirling patterns in shades of blue and gray. The frame prominently displays the "S-Works" logo near the top tube, and the background is dark, emphasizing the bike's design and craftsmanship.
  2
A white van parked on a dirt road in a scenic landscape featuring rugged mountains and a blue sky with clouds. The foreground shows grassy terrain with some rocky areas.
  2
Close-up view of a turquoise bicycle frame featuring a black sticker with the chemical elements phosphorus (P), chromium (Cr), and molybdenum (Mo) symbols, indicating material specifications. The background is a soft focus of green foliage.
  6
Four mountain bikes displayed against a light teal background. The bikes vary in color, with one bright green bike prominently featured in the center, alongside an orange bike on the left, a dark blue bike below it, and a black bike on the right. Each bike showcases distinctive designs and features, emphasizing their suitability for off-road biking.
Black DFYRS Coffindodger pants laid flat on a textured stone surface, featuring a patterned waistband and an adjustable buckle. The pants have small perforations for ventilation along the sides.
  13
A blue mountain bike with green accents, positioned on a dirt path surrounded by trees and tall grass, under a clear blue sky. The bike features thick tires, disc brakes, and a suspension fork, perfect for trail riding.
  14
A close-up of a mobile phone displaying a leaderboard screen, featuring a ranking for the athlete Brad Hood with a record time of 5:23. The screen includes positions for other athletes and their respective recorded times. The phone is placed on a textured stone surface.
  4
A panoramic view of a lush green hillside overlooking a sprawling city with distant mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky.
  2
A cyclist wearing a blue jersey with red and white stripes, featuring the text "USA" and "Visit Bentonville," stands in the foreground. In the background, another person in a black jacket and a helmet is preparing a bike. The scene is set outdoors, with some trees in the background and a van parked nearby.
  1
A man with a beard wearing a cap and a gray shirt stands next to a smiling woman with long blonde hair, dressed in a dark shirt. They are posing together outdoors, in front of a wooden structure with the words "Mål" and a logo in the background, suggesting a festive atmosphere.
A top-down view of a Garmin device displaying a menu screen with options such as "Training Plan," "Workouts," "Segments," "Indoor Trainer," and "Intervals." The device is positioned on a wooden surface next to a computer keyboard.
  2
A collage of outdoor and cycling gear featuring a red mountain bike, a Shimano pedal, a bike repair stand, a yellow storage bag, purple ski goggles, and a black water bottle, along with the REI Co-op logo.
A large group of cyclists gathers at the entrance to the Chief Ladiga Trail, marked by a prominent red archway. The scene is set in a wooded area with lush green trees in the background, and the sun casts a warm glow on the participants. Some cyclists are preparing their bikes while others converse, creating a lively atmosphere in anticipation of a ride.
A row of four mountain bikes in a natural outdoor setting, featuring a mix of silver and black frames with prominent branding. The bikes are positioned on gravel ground, surrounded by green foliage and trees, suggesting an adventurous atmosphere.
  2
A gray GPS smartwatch displaying a topographical map with a highlighted hiking trail labeled "Hickory Connector." The watch is resting on a bed of gray gravel and small rocks, surrounded by a few dried leaves.
Alt text: A collection of bicycles displayed on a wooden wall, featuring colorful frames in hues of blue, orange, pink, and black. The bicycles are neatly arranged, showcasing their handlebars and tires in a well-organized garage space.
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