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 person wearing a black helmet and a green and black neck warmer smiles for a selfie in a snowy landscape with trees in the background. The scene captures a bright winter day.
  3
A young rider performs a mid-air trick on a mountain bike, with a scenic backdrop of ocean and hills. Another cyclist is seen in the foreground, showcasing their bike's wheel, as the sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow over the scene.
  1
  13
  4
A close-up image of a cyclist wearing a black mountain biking helmet and sunglasses. The background features soft, blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor environment. The cyclist is focused and appears to be preparing for a ride.
A coach giving feedback to a cyclist in a training environment. The cyclist, seen from the back, is wearing a team jersey featuring the names "Soudal" and "Quick-Step." The coach is gesturing with his hands and appears engaged in conversation, offering a thumbs-up in encouragement.
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire labeled "MINION DHF" with specifications including size 29x2.30 and 60 PSI, attached to a fork with gold and black components. The background features a blurred natural landscape with trees and a body of water.
  6
A mountain bike propped against a wall, showcasing its white frame, large tires, and various components like a shock absorber and water bottle holder. The background features a neutral-colored wall and a window with a sheer curtain, along with another bike visible in the lower part of the image.
  3
Close-up view of an adjustable shock component on a mountain bike, featuring a black and blue design with visible adjustment knobs and wires. The image captures the detail of the shock's interface against a blurred background of natural outdoor elements.
  7
A mountain biker in a bright yellow and black outfit falls onto the ground, surrounded by a cloud of dust. The bike is upside down, with one wheel in the air, as debris scatters around the scene.
  2
  7
Close-up view of a bicycle's front fork and tire, showcasing a textured, knobby tire designed for off-road terrain. The shiny red frame of the bike contrasts with the grassy background, highlighting the bike's robust construction and readiness for adventure.
A young mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by tall purple flowers, wearing a helmet and protective gear. The cyclist is focused and leaning forward as they ride through a vibrant, lush landscape.
  1
A mountain biker in a helmet and protective gear jumping off a small ramp on a dirt trail surrounded by trees and foliage. The rider appears focused and is mid-air, capturing the action and excitement of mountain biking.
  14
  40
A person riding a bicycle on a dirt road, with a surprised expression, under a dramatic sky filled with dark clouds. The surrounding landscape features open fields and distant mountains.
  27
A mechanic inspects and repairs a burgundy bicycle, focusing on the drivetrain and rear wheel. Tools and bike equipment are visible in the background, indicating a professional bike maintenance or repair setting.
  6
Close-up image of a bicycle's brake system, featuring a black brake caliper labeled "dominion T4" attached to a turquoise frame. The brake lines and part of the rotor are visible in the background, showcasing the mechanical components of the bike.
  1
A young boy wearing a black helmet and a blue shirt rides a bicycle on a skate park ramp. He smiles and appears to be enjoying his ride, with a mix of brown foliage in the background. The skate park features various graffiti and concrete surfaces.
Close-up of a mountain bike tire with the brand name "Forekaster" prominently displayed. The tire shows noticeable tread patterns and is mounted on a bike frame, with a blurred forest background featuring autumn foliage. The tire specifications, including size and pressure, are also visible.
  7
A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, lined with trees and scattered with autumn leaves. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating dappled light on the ground.
  10
Alt tag: Side view of a green Bontrager cycling shoe with a black and orange sole, featuring a Boa dial closure and perforated detailing.
  1
  8
A close-up image of a coffee packaging labeled "Hiker's Brew Coffee" resting in the pocket of a bicycle's handlebar bag. The packaging features brewing instructions for different methods such as French Press and Pour Over, along with details highlighting sustainability. The blurred background shows natural terrain, hinting at an outdoor setting.
  3
A rocky trail winding through a forest, surrounded by bare trees and scattered stones. The landscape is devoid of foliage, revealing a rugged terrain under a clear blue sky.
A black and white image of a group of mountain bikers gathered on a trail surrounded by trees. Three cyclists are prominently featured in the foreground; one is sitting on a bike, while the others stand beside their bikes engaged in conversation. The scene captures a moment of camaraderie among cyclists in a natural outdoor setting.
  4
A close-up image of a piece of cardboard with handwritten measurements and markings. The cardboard is laid over a black surface, with a metallic ruler positioned above it. Two circular marks with a cross inside are visible on the cardboard, along with some scribbled notes indicating measurements, including "4½ 11mm." A black Sharpie marker is also partially visible in the foreground.
  3
A flat lay image featuring four items related to outdoor gear maintenance: a bottle of Nikwax Softshell Proof waterproofing spray, a tube of Shoe Goo for shoe repair, a stick of zipper lubricant, and a small piece of paper with a grid pattern. The items are positioned on a dark, wet surface, scattered with leaves.
  1
A metal sign displaying a trail map and open trail names, including "Fireline," "Cease & Desist," "Drop the Hammer," "Thunderdome," and "Family Flow," in a scenic outdoor area with trees and a path leading to a bridge.
A diagram illustrating the geometry of a mountain bike frame, with labeled measurements including Effective Top Tube (ETT), Reach, Head Tube Angle (HTA), Stack, Seat Tube Angle (STA), Chainstay, Bottom Bracket Height, and Wheelbase. The frame is depicted in a simplified silhouette format.
  12
Black waterproof boots featuring a high top design, BOA tightening system, and a rugged sole, placed on a snowy surface with dry grass in the background.
  7
  1
  4
A mountain biker performing a jump over a dirt ramp in a wooded area, surrounded by tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves. The rider is mid-air with both wheels off the ground, showcasing their skills and technique.
  21
A close-up image of a bicycle seat with a unique design featuring the word "LOVE" repeatedly in various orientations. The seat is held by a hand, with a wooden surface and blurred background of leaves, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A bright orange mountain bike with a robust frame and large, treaded tires. The bike features a modern design with a prominent brand logo, a dual-suspension system, and a gear setup visible on the rear wheel. The handlebars are equipped with grips and a brake lever, showcasing its readiness for rugged terrains.
A mountain biker riding swiftly around a dirt trail in a wooded area, with a blurred foreground showing a pile of dirt and pine needles. The scene captures the excitement of biking in nature. Mo-Flo mountain bike trail.
  13
A close-up profile of a person wearing a beige mountain bike helmet and black sunglasses, sitting on grass. The helmet features ventilation holes and branding from the State Bicycle Company. The background is blurred with natural greenery.
  2
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a forest. The rider is wearing a blue jacket, orange shorts, and a helmet, with dirt and mud on their legs and bike. Ferns and moss are visible alongside the trail, creating a lush green backdrop. The setting suggests an adventurous outdoor activity in a natural environment.
  15
A compact Insta360 camera resting on a wooden surface, showcasing a black and red design. The camera features a prominent lens on the left and a small screen with control buttons on the right, set against a blurred background of trees and greenery.
  3
A pair of black athletic shoes with a sleek design, featuring a smooth upper, round toe, and red rubber outsole. The shoes have a lace-up closure and perforated accents for breathability.
A person riding a mountain bike over rocky terrain in a lush green forest, focused and navigating the trail with trees surrounding them. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and is dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts.
  13
A cyclist riding along a mountain road, surrounded by lush green trees and distant mountains, with the sun shining brightly in the background, casting a long shadow on the pavement.
  2
A group of mountain bikers competes on a wooded trail during a race. The scene captures bikers navigating a winding path through trees and ferns, with a crowd of spectators watching and cheering along the sidelines. The atmosphere is lively, showcasing the excitement of outdoor sports.
  5
  4
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a desert landscape during sunset, with striking red rock formations and sparse vegetation surrounding the path.
  9
  2