Greg Heil

Greg began mountain biking in 2005, and since then, the pursuit of singletrack has taken him around the world. While Greg first started adding trail reviews to Singletracks in 2008, his career in mountain bike media officially began in 2010. He started writing for Singletracks in 2011 while simultaneously finishing his formal secondary education in writing and publication. Greg has the distinction of being the first employee that Singletracks ever hired, and he went on to serve for seven years, including five years in the Editor in Chief role. After a six-year hiatus, Greg is back at Singletracks, serving in the Managing Editor role.

While Greg has reviewed innumerable mountain bikes and products over the years, his true passion lies in writing about mountain bike trails and destinations. Greg has ridden over 8,000 trails and visited 21 countries (and counting). He recently spent four years traveling full-time, including two spent living in a camper van with his wife, Christine. In between epic trips, he now resides in Durango, Colorado.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Primarily trail and enduro, with experience including endurance XC, bikepacking, downhill, and gravel riding.
  • Mountain biking since: 2005
  • Number of trails ridden: 8,000+
  • Number of countries visited: 21+
  • Current stable: Pivot Switchblade V3, Pivot Vault, Scott Big Jon

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Arts, English: Writing and Publication, University of North Georgia
  • Other publications: Strava, FATMAP, Dirt Rag Magazine, MTB Project, Hiking Project, GearJunkie, Outside 365
 
A cyclist riding a fat bike through a snowy landscape, with mountain peaks in the background under a clear blue sky. The foreground features sparse vegetation and patches of snow.
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A mountain biker wearing a helmet and protective gear jumps off a rocky ledge, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees in a forested area. Wildflowers are visible on the ground, adding color to the dirt trail.
A mountain biker riding a bike on a dirt trail surrounded by trees and greenery. The cyclist is wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and a dark athletic outfit, navigating a curve on the trail.
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A black mountain bike resting in tall, dry grass under a clear sky, showcasing its rugged tires and sleek frame. The bike features prominent branding and is positioned at an angle, highlighting its suspension system and handlebars.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a sunny day, with clear blue skies and trees in the background. The rider is leaning forward, showcasing the balance and skill required for the challenging terrain.
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A mountain biker riding on a rocky, elevated trail surrounded by shrubs and trees, with a clear blue sky in the background. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing a focused expression as they navigate the terrain.
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Close-up of a mountain bike featuring a silver and black frame with a blue accent. The bike is equipped with a fitted saddlebag and a top tube bag, designed for carrying gear on outdoor rides. In the background, lush green meadows and a mountainous landscape are visible under a partly cloudy sky.
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A cyclist in an orange jacket and blue shorts navigates a rocky trail on a mountain. The scene captures a panoramic view of a valley and distant mountains in the background under an overcast sky.
A mountain bike positioned on rocky terrain, with a backdrop of red rock cliffs and a partly cloudy blue sky. The scene captures the rugged beauty of an outdoor setting, ideal for biking adventures.
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A brightly colored mountain bike with a blue and orange frame is leaning against a wooden post in a rugged outdoor setting. The background features a grassy field and distant rock formations under a partly cloudy sky. The bike has thick tires, showing signs of dirt, suggesting it has been used for off-road riding.
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A mountain biker performing a stunt on a rocky cliff at night, illuminated by lights, showcasing the rugged terrain and the thrilling nature of mountain biking. A play button overlay indicates that the image is part of a video.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a hillside, surrounded by dry grass and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky. The cyclist is wearing a helmet, gloves, and a backpack, focusing on maneuvering the challenging terrain.
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A red mountain bike with wide tires is parked on a rocky, dusty terrain under a partly cloudy sky. The bike features a suspension system and is positioned near some sparse vegetation, with rocky outcrops visible in the background.
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A green sign reading "Helena City Limits" is prominently displayed on the side of a road. A white passenger bus with a trailer drives past, kicking up dust on a sunny day. The surroundings include a mixture of hills and greenery, with rocky outcrops visible in the background.
A mountain biker riding along a rocky trail surrounded by trees, with a scenic view of hills and a bright sun in the background.
A person mountain biking along a rocky trail in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The biker is wearing a helmet and a backpack, navigating over large stones while pedaling.
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A first-person view of a mountain biker navigating a rocky downhill trail in a desert landscape, with rugged terrain and distant mountains visible in the background. The biker's hands grip the handlebars, showcasing gloves and a bike equipped for off-road riding. A play button overlay indicates that this is a video.
A black mountain bike stands on a rocky surface with a backdrop of red cliffs and blue sky. The bike features a sturdy frame, thick tires, and a visible suspension system, surrounded by sparse desert vegetation.
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A bright orange mountain bike positioned on rocky terrain, with a scenic canyon landscape in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The bike features a modern design with thick tires and a high-performance frame, showcasing its readiness for off-road trails.
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A black mountain bike parked on a grassy hillside, with a scenic backdrop of colorful autumn trees and mountain ranges under a clear blue sky. A ski lift is visible in the distance, indicating a mountainous outdoor location.
Close-up image of a hand adjusting the quick release lever on a bicycle wheel assembly. Labels identify components such as the quick release lever (A), disc brake rotor (B), fork leg (C), and brake caliper (D). A warning message highlights the need to replace the skewer if the quick release lever opens too far, as it may catch on the brake rotor and cause the front wheel to lock up suddenly.
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A close-up image of a cycling computer displaying various metrics, including speed (0 MPH), vertical feet per minute (84), elevation (2242 feet), and temperature (86°F). The device has a sleek design and is mounted on a bicycle handlebar. In the background, there are additional screens showing cycling statistics.
A red mountain bike displayed on a wooden stand, featuring advanced suspension components, a gold fork, and large tires. The background shows a dark wall with the word "PATROL" prominently featured.
A mountain bike leaning against a rock in a rugged, rocky desert landscape with sparse vegetation and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A blue fat bike with oversized tires displayed on a stand, set against a backdrop of a mountainous landscape. The bike features a sturdy frame and suspension, showcasing its suitability for off-road riding.
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A blue mountain bike resting on rocky terrain, surrounded by sparse vegetation and arid landscape. The bike features thick tires and a suspension fork, indicating it is designed for off-road use.
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A bright orange mountain bike with blue accents stands on rocky terrain overlooking a valley. The sky is cloudy, creating a dramatic backdrop for the bike, which features thick tires and a sturdy frame designed for off-road riding.
A display featuring multiple bicycle dropper posts, arranged vertically in a row. Each post is sleek and black, with a metallic finish. The background is light-colored, and accompanying informational cards are visible on the wooden surface below the posts.
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A robust mountain bike with thick tires, positioned on rocky terrain with desert vegetation in the background. The bike features a dark frame with orange accents and is angled to display its front wheel and handlebars, with mountains visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.
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A panel discussion featuring four speakers at a Bosch event, with one speaker presenting at a microphone while others listen. The backdrop includes the Bosch logo and the phrase "Invented for life." The setting appears to be a conference or exhibition hall.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike's rear tire and frame against a blurred natural background, showcasing the tire's tread and distinctive pink-striped design.
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A mountain bike parked on rocky terrain with red mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
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A fat tire mountain bike with a black and neon green frame is positioned in a desert setting. The bike features wide tires designed for off-road terrain, and is parked near a mobile bike display. In the background, there are other bicycles and people, with a focus on outdoor activities. The sun is shining in a clear blue sky.
A mountain bike resting on rocky terrain, with a backdrop of rugged hills and a blue sky dotted with clouds. The bike features a black frame with blue accents and is equipped for off-road cycling.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green grass and vibrant wildflowers, with steep, rocky mountains in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
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A modern mountain bike with a black and orange frame, positioned on rocky terrain in a desert landscape. The bike features thick tires and a suspension system, with a clear blue sky in the background and mountains visible in the distance.
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A turquoise Surly bicycle with wide tires is parked on a gravel surface, with various tents and banners in the background promoting energy products. The scene is set in a sunny outdoor environment, suggesting a cycling event or festival.
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Alt text: A modern mountain bike with a lightweight frame, large fat tires, and a colorful design. The bike features disc brakes, a prominent chain, and is shown against a white background.
Logo design featuring the text "FIVE 2 RIDE SCOTLAND" with a location pin icon, set against a black background with a stylized Scottish flag design.
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A brightly colored mountain bike featuring a yellow and turquoise frame, equipped with front and rear suspension, disc brakes, and Maxxis tires. The bike is shown from a side view, highlighting its sleek design and components, suitable for off-road cycling.
A winding dirt trail runs through a lush green hillside, flanked by trees on the right and vibrant wildflowers in the foreground. The path leads into a scenic valley surrounded by distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
A scenic landscape featuring a cyclist riding through a grassy area with a waterfall in the background. Snow-capped mountains rise in the distance. Overlayed text reads "FIVE 2 RIDE SPAIN," with a location marker graphic. The image has a monochrome effect except for the text and marker.
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Black and white image featuring two cyclists riding on a rocky trail in a scenic landscape. The text overlay reads "FIVE 2 RIDE SWEDEN," with a location pin graphic in red, suggesting a biking adventure. The background includes hills and a body of water in the distance.
A mountain biker performing a jump over a rocky terrain, with a backdrop of mountains and a clear sky during sunset. The rider is wearing a helmet, a yellow and black shirt, and blue shorts, showcasing an athletic pose in mid-air on a bright green bike.
A sleek, modern mountain bike with a lightweight gray frame, wide black tires featuring turquoise accents, and high-quality components. The bike is positioned against a white background, showcasing its dual suspension system, prominent fork, and a single gear setup, highlighting its suitability for rugged trails.
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Two mountain bikers are standing on a grassy hillside, looking out over a scenic view of distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The terrain features patches of wildflowers and remnants of burned trees, highlighting a natural landscape. One biker is holding onto their bike, while both are wearing helmets and backpacks, prepared for their adventure.
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A black and white aerial view of Swiss countryside featuring rolling hills and agricultural fields, overlaid with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE SWITZERLAND" and a location pin graphic.
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