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
 
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A black metal equipment stand with adjustable arms, positioned on a black carpeted floor. Nearby, several boxes of equipment are stacked, showcasing their orange and black packaging. The setup appears to be designed for display at a trade show or similar event.
A blue mountain bike with yellow and green accents displayed alongside a red bike on a rack, surrounded by a busy exhibition setting with other vendors and attendees visible in the background.
A mountain bike displayed on a wooden stand, featuring a vibrant red and light blue frame. The bike has thick tires with branding, a prominent suspension fork, and a sleek design, positioned against a dark background.
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An electric mountain bike secured on a Thule bike rack attached to the rear of a vehicle, with an exhibition space and attendees visible in the background. The bike features thick tires and appears to have been used recently, indicated by some dirt on the wheels.
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A blue and yellow outdoor backpack is displayed on a black circular table. The backpack features a zipper closure, side pockets, and adjustable straps. Blurred figures of people can be seen in the background, indicating a shopping or event environment.
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A close-up view of a grey athletic shoe displayed on a stand, featuring a sleek design with a black textured upper and a beige sole. The background includes blurred figures and displays, suggesting a busy trade show or exhibition environment.
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Close-up of a mountain bike's rear suspension system, featuring a dark red frame, a silver linkage, and a black shock absorber with green accents. The bike's chain and crankset are partially visible, showcasing its design for off-road performance. The background is a dark, textured surface.
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Two men are engaged in conversation at a trade show, standing on a red carpet surrounded by a crowd of attendees in the background. The man on the left, wearing a black shirt and glasses, holds a drink while speaking. The man on the right, dressed in a blue plaid shirt, smiles and listens. Various booths and individuals are visible in the bustling event atmosphere.
Black shorts laid flat on a gravel surface, featuring a button closure and side pockets. The fabric appears lightweight and suitable for outdoor activities.
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Close-up of a yellow and black padded cycling short laid on a gravel surface. The padding indicates dual density for comfort and support during cycling activities.
Gunnison National Forest
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A person riding a fat bike on a dirt trail in a mountainous landscape, with a prominent peak in the background and a clear blue sky dotted with clouds. The surroundings are grassy and rocky, showcasing the natural beauty of the high-altitude environment.
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A blue insulated cooler bag with a black handle and a logo on the front, sitting on gravel with a natural landscape in the background.
Close-up view of a mountain bike's front wheel, showcasing the rugged tread of the tire, black suspension fork, and colorful accents on the rim. The background features blurred greenery and natural elements, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A scenic view of a river winding through a lush forested valley, with tall mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky. A person riding a bicycle can be seen on a trail along the riverbank, surrounded by coniferous trees and rugged terrain.
A brightly colored mountain bike with a teal and orange frame, featuring wide tires with "Maxxis" branding, is positioned on a rocky surface surrounded by green grass and wildflowers. The bike showcases a modern design with a prominent front suspension fork and a sleek saddle.
Cross-sectional view of a composite material featuring a black exterior and a green interior with a textured, sponge-like appearance, designed to illustrate the structure and composition of insulation or cushioning materials.
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Mountain biker navigating a dirt trail through a dense forest, with green coniferous trees and snow-capped mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
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A close-up view of a blue bicycle seat, partially blurred, resting on the side of a bike. In the background, a person is swimming in a clear, shimmering body of water. The scene is set in a natural environment, with sunlight reflecting off the water's surface.
Black mountain bike tire showcasing a rugged tread pattern. The tire is labeled "CAKE EATER" and is angled to display its profile and tread design. The background is white, highlighting the tire's details and textures.
A bright blue mountain bike is parked on a lush, green field with wildflowers, surrounded by a backdrop of mountains under a cloudy sky. The bike features thick tires and a sleek frame, showcasing its design for off-road riding.
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A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and mountains under a cloudy sky.
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A blue mountain bike from Transition, featuring a sturdy frame and knobby tires, is positioned in a lush forest setting with green foliage and moss-covered ground.
A turquoise mountain bike with a black and gold fork stands on a dirt trail near a forest. In the background, lush green hills and mountains are visible under a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.
A panoramic view of a winding river flowing through a dense forest, surrounded by majestic mountains under a clear blue sky. The river exhibits a teal hue, contrasting with the deep greens of the trees. Steep cliffs are visible on the riverbank, showcasing a mix of rocky and sandy textures.
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Alt text: A top-down view of a mountain bike handlebar, featuring textured grips and gear shift levers, with grass and rocky ground visible in the background.
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A first-person perspective of a mountain biking trail, showing the handlebars of a bike and a rider navigating a dirt path through a forested area. The scene features trees and rocky terrain under a clear blue sky, capturing the thrill of outdoor cycling.
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Most Innovative Mountain Bike Products of 2017
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Two men are working on a land clearing project. One man, standing with his back to the camera, holds a shovel and looks over the dirt area, while the other man is crouched down, using a shovel to dig. The scene is set outdoors on a sunny day, with blue skies and some clouds, and greenery in the background.
Alt text: A modern mountain bike featuring a black frame with blue accents, front suspension, and rugged tires, displayed against a clean, white background.
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Best Black Diamond Mountain Bike Trail
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A mountain bike resting on green grass with a background of trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail with a scenic view of a lake surrounded by mountains and lush forests in the background. The biker is wearing a helmet and is focused on the path ahead.
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Shimano XT Best Mountain Bike Brake
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Black shorts laid out on a rocky surface with dry vegetation in the background. The shorts feature multiple pockets and a sleek design.
A person wearing a helmet and a red jacket sits on a rock ledge, overlooking a vast landscape of rugged terrain and distant mountains under a cloudy sky. The individual appears contemplative, with a backpack beside them, suggesting a break during an outdoor adventure.
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A mountain biker in action, jumping over a log in a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and sunlight filtering through the foliage. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing a dynamic pose as they navigate the rugged terrain.
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Two mugshot-style portraits of a man with a shaved head and tattoos on his neck and shoulders. The images are side by side, showing him from the shoulders up. The left image features him in a white shirt, while the right shows him in a black shirt. Both images have neutral expressions and a blurred gray background.
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A close-up of a cyclist wearing a black helmet and reflective sunglasses, standing against a backdrop of mountainous scenery with lush green hills and snow-capped peaks. The cyclist has a beard and is looking off into the distance, enjoying the outdoor landscape.
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