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
 
Close-up image of a bicycle's rear derailleur and gear cassette, showcasing the intricate mechanics and dirt accumulation. The background features blurred greenery, indicating an outdoor setting, possibly a trail.
Three mountain bikers are gathered around a bicycle on a rocky trail. Two of them are inspecting the bike, while one is holding tools and working on it. All three are wearing helmets and appropriate biking gear, surrounded by dry grass and dirt.
  1
A cyclist wearing a black helmet and sunglasses is about to take a bite of a snack bar while standing outdoors. He is dressed in a blue shirt and has on bright yellow gloves. The background is nature, suggesting he is taking a break during a ride.
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike's suspension system, featuring a black shock with an electronic control unit, highlighted by a green indicator light and a pink adjustment knob. The bike frame is white with green accents, positioned in a natural outdoor setting.
  2
Four small, colorful plastic pieces in yellow and orange are scattered on a wooden surface. The pieces have angular shapes with circular holes, resembling components that could be used in a game or tool. The rustic texture of the wood contrasts with the bright colors of the plastic.
  2
Alt text: A bicycle wheel with purple spokes, accompanied by colorful components including an orange hub, blue and black stem caps, and an orange stem, featuring the logo of Industry Nine.
A cyclist dressed in a blue shirt and black shorts rides a gravel path surrounded by lush green trees. The trail is dusty and the scene is illuminated by soft, natural light filtering through the foliage.
A person wearing a black jacket and beanie is standing near the open bed of a pickup truck, holding a black bag with the brand name "RACEFACE" visible. The background features a forested area with a gravel surface, suggesting an outdoor setting. The individual appears to be preparing or organizing their belongings.
A gold mountain bike stands on a dirt trail surrounded by open fields and hills under a partly cloudy sky. The bike features thick tires and a water bottle mounted on the frame, highlighting its readiness for outdoor adventures.
  7
Two bicycle wheels are displayed against a light orange background, with the word "HUNT" prominently featured below them. The wheels are black, showcasing their spokes and hubs, and are positioned to create a dynamic composition.
Close-up of a mountain bike tire mounted on a rugged wheel, resting on a gravel and dirt surface. The tire features a prominent brand logo and exhibits a partially worn tread pattern, indicating use in off-road conditions.
  4
Close-up image of a bicycle hub with a measuring tape showing a measurement close to 2.5 inches. The hub is black and partially dirty, indicating it may be used or older. The background consists of blurred natural elements, likely leaves and grass, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  14
A collection of biking accessories, including a black helmet, green-tinted goggles, multi-tool, hydration pack, orange fanny pack, stem, black pedal, and a bike seat, all displayed on a bright green background with the text "UNDER $50" prominently featured in the center.
A close-up view of a hand wearing a black watch displaying fitness metrics, including timer, distance, total ascent, and heart rate. The hand is partially gloved, and the background features soft, natural lighting, suggesting an outdoor activity.
  48
Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars, featuring black grips and a bicycle computer, set on a trail covered with fallen leaves. The bike is positioned with a turquoise frame partially visible, indicating an outdoor cycling environment.
A mountain bike is displayed on a grassy hilltop with a scenic background of rolling hills under a clear blue sky. The bike is positioned in silhouette, showcasing its frame and tires, with a focus on the rugged terrain and distant landscapes.
  4
Image showing a product page for a bicycle, featuring a close-up of a bike wheel, size selection options, pricing details, and a customer review with a five-star rating. The interface includes sections for pickup and shipping options, as well as complementary products. The background has a gradient color transition.
  13
A cyclist in a red and black plaid shirt rides an electric mountain bike on a rocky trail, surrounded by sparse trees and hills in the background during sunset.
  2
Two men are featured in a split-screen video call. On the left, a man with short hair and glasses is smiling and wearing a green and black checkered shirt, with a microphone in front of him. On the right, a man with a beard and a mohawk hairstyle is dressed in a dark suit over a light blue shirt, seated comfortably in an armchair with a window showing a snowy landscape behind him. The background has a bright, cool-toned aesthetic.
  1
Image featuring various mountain bike (MTB) tires, a tire sealant display from Stans NoTubes, a green tubing, and a Fanttik tire inflator. The text "MTB TIRE SALE" is prominently displayed in the center against a colorful background.
Close-up of a Shimano XTR rear derailleur being handled, showcasing its metallic components and a black button with an upward arrow. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the derailleur's detail and design.
  55
A cyclist performing a jump on a mountain bike over a wooden ramp in a wooded area with bare trees and fallen leaves on the ground.
  1
A mountain biker rides over a sandy terrain, kicking up dust and water as they navigate a trail surrounded by trees. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and sporty attire, demonstrating dynamic movement and focus against a backdrop of sunlight filtering through greenery.
  2
A person in a green jacket stands next to a blue mountain bike with two water bottles mounted on the frame. The background features rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, indicating an outdoor setting suitable for biking. The person wears shorts and gray socks with shoes, suggesting they are prepared for a biking adventure.
  3
Image featuring various sports gear and apparel for a Presidents' Day sale, including two bicycle wheels, black athletic shoes, denim shorts, a black helmet, a water bottle, and a bike tool. A portrait of George Washington is displayed on the right alongside the text "PRESIDENTS' DAY DEALS." The background is a light gray color.
  1
Sign for Devil's Den State Park, featuring an illustration of a cabin surrounded by trees, with green foliage in the background. The sign includes the park's name prominently displayed at the bottom.
  9
Close-up image of a cork-covered handle grip with a textured surface, attached to a black object, set against a blurred natural background.
  3
Close-up view of a mountain bike frame with a sleek design, featuring a blue color scheme and the word "DEVIATE" prominently displayed. The image captures details of the seat post and frame geometry against a soft, twilight sky.
A sleek, modern mountain bike with a polished aluminum frame, wide black tires, and disc brakes, positioned against a textured white brick wall. The bike features a single chainring, flat handlebars, and Maxxis tires, reflecting its rugged design for off-road cycling.
  12
A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain in a forested area, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and a plaid shirt, demonstrating skill and focus while riding a black mountain bike with red front suspension.
  4
Close-up of a bicycle's rear derailleur, featuring a silver and black Shimano XTR component, with a background of a metallic bike cassette and gravel surface.
  9
Tools and supplies for bike maintenance arranged on a wooden surface. The layout includes various lubricants, sealants, a tube of Polylube, a bottle of Fork Boost, Threadlocker, and a container with assorted screws and bolts. Several black zip ties and black tape are also present, creating a comprehensive kit for bike repairs and upkeep.
Close-up view of a bicycle's handlebars, featuring black tape and brake levers, with a digital display mounted in the center. The bike has orange forks and a textured tire, positioned on a gravel surface.
  24
A group of young children wearing orange shirts and various helmets are playing in a forest. Some are standing on a fallen log, while one child is holding a toy and another has a small backpack. An adult, also in casual clothing, is smiling and holding a basket filled with items. The scene captures a joyful outdoor activity among tall trees and pine needles.
  2
A close-up view of a bicycle frame featuring a metallic silver finish with colorful accents. The image focuses on the seat tube and rear triangle, showcasing the bike's geometry and tire with aggressive tread design. The background is a plain, neutral surface, highlighting the bike's details.
  6
  16
A young male cyclist sits on the steps wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and a bike helmet, with a mountain bike resting beside him. He is looking off to the side, displaying a relaxed demeanor, while his bike features a distinct design with purple accents. The background shows a blurred staircase with graffiti, suggesting an urban setting.
Close-up image of a bicycle seat post featuring a black and silver adjustment mechanism. The top of the post shows markings for maximum height and measurement indicators, with a visible brand logo on the attachment point. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  3
Image featuring several bicycle forks arranged in a grid layout. Each fork is labeled with specifications, including wheel size measurements (27.5") and travel lengths in millimeters (100mm, 120mm, 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm). The text "BIG FORKING DEALS" is prominently displayed in the center, suggesting promotional offers.
A yellow caution sign featuring a silhouette of a bear and the text "CAUTION BEAR IN AREA." The sign is positioned near a dirt road surrounded by trees and greenery.
  35
A person riding a mountain bike down a rocky trail surrounded by trees, wearing a helmet and casual cycling attire. Sunlight filters through the branches, illuminating the path and surrounding foliage.
  20
A collection of mountain bikes mounted on the back of a pickup truck, showcasing their handlebars and tires. The truck has a black protective cover on the tailgate, and the image captures the bikes in a natural outdoor setting.
Image of a Salsa bike model, titled "Wanderosa," positioned on a rugged, natural trail surrounded by greenery. The bike features a sleek blue frame with distinctive orange branding. The foreground showcases the bike's detailed components, emphasizing its design suited for off-road adventures. The sky above is partly cloudy, enhancing the outdoor atmosphere.
  9
A close-up of a black-gloved hand resting on a bicycle handlebar, with the index finger pointing forward. The background features blurred patches of brown leaves and greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
  2
Close-up of the drivetrain of a bicycle, focusing on a small electronic component attached near the rear cassette. The component is connected with wires and is secured to the bike frame, showcasing a blend of mechanical and electronic parts.
  9
A collection of various bicycles displayed against a gradient pink and orange background. The bikes feature different designs, colors, and styles, showcasing mountain bikes in shades of gray, black, orange, and teal, as well as other types of bikes, all oriented in various angles.
A vibrant red camping trailer parked in a wooded area, with one side open showcasing camping gear and supplies. A green mat is laid out on the ground, with backpacks and other items scattered around, and a small step stool nearby. The trailer is equipped with off-road wheels and a top-mounted storage box. Trees and shrubs surround the scene, creating a natural camping environment.
  19
A biker in an orange shirt and helmet jumps over a wooden log on a trail through a dense forest, with greenery surrounding the path.