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 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.
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.
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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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Most Innovative Mountain Bike Products of 2017
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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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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.
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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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A brightly lit bicycle shop featuring a row of colorful mountain bikes, including several green bikes. The shop has a variety of biking accessories and gear displayed on the walls and shelves, with a wooden counter where a staff member assists a customer on the phone. Various bike parts and nutritional products are arranged neatly on the counter, creating an inviting atmosphere for cycling enthusiasts.
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A black SUV parked on the side of a road with a scenic mountain view in the background. Two bicycles are mounted on a bike rack attached to the back of the vehicle. The sky is partly cloudy, and lush greenery is visible in the foreground.
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A close-up view of a bicycle's frame featuring a black top tube bag secured with straps. The background shows a green landscape with trees and a clear blue sky, suggesting an outdoor setting for cycling.
A scenic view of rugged mountain peaks under a partly cloudy sky, with grassy slopes in the foreground and patches of snow on the mountains, showcasing the natural beauty of a mountainous landscape with two hikers visible in the distance.
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A close-up image of a man's face lying on a couch, with soft lighting and a relaxed expression. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing his features.
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Close-up of a section of barbed wire with a blurred background, highlighting the sharp barbs and twisted strands of wire. The image captures the texture and details of the barbed wire against a soft, out-of-focus backdrop.
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A bright yellow mountain bike stands upright against a textured gray backdrop. The bike features a sleek frame, high-performance wheels with Maxxis tires, and a prominent suspension system. The setting is minimalistic, focusing on the bike’s design and craftsmanship.
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A view from the handlebars of a mountain bike, overlooking a scenic trail lined with greenery and trees in a forested area. The sun is setting in the background, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
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A close-up image of a hand holding a tool labeled "Ninja C" by Topeak. The tool has a sleek design with a black rubber grip and a silver metallic end. In the background, there is a blurred view of mountains and greenery under a clear blue sky.
A compact multi-tool with multiple metallic Allen wrench heads, positioned on a textured dirt surface. The tool features a central black handle with "MINI" and "10" printed on it, surrounded by the unfolded tool components.
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A cyclist wearing a bright yellow and purple jersey with the brand name "Chamois Butt'r" is riding on a dirt path. He has a helmet and a headlamp attached to his helmet, and is smiling while focused on the ride. The background features a scenic landscape with green trees and a blue sky dotted with clouds.
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A mountain biker performing a jump on a rocky trail during sunset, with a picturesque view of rolling hills and a cloudy sky in the background. The cyclist is wearing a black jersey with colorful accents and is riding a red bike.