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 group of mountain bikers navigating a dirt trail in a forested area, with a focus on one rider's leg and bike. The ground is muddy and covered with pine needles, suggesting recent rain. Other bikers are seen in the background, some on their bikes and others standing.
  1
A person standing in a wooded area, wearing an orange t-shirt and gray shorts. The background features lush green foliage and trees.
A modern mountain bike featuring a sleek purple frame, wide tires with aggressive tread, and a suspension fork. The bike is positioned against a gradient background transitioning from soft pink to purple, highlighting its design elements. The gear system is visible on the rear wheel, showcasing its suitability for off-road terrain.
  2
A cyclist riding on a dirt path surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. The path winds through a wooded area, indicating a scenic outdoor biking route. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and athletic clothing, actively enjoying the ride.
  7
  1
A compact, modern LED headlamp with four bright lights, illuminating against a black background.
A focused individual in a black t-shirt and cap is inspecting a robotic arm in a workshop setting. The person is crouched down, looking closely at the robotics with a thoughtful expression, and a silver watch is visible on their wrist. Background elements include shelves and machinery typical of a tech or engineering workspace.
A close-up view of a cyclist wearing a dirty black helmet while navigating a wooded trail. The background shows a lush green landscape with trees and underbrush. The cyclist's face is partially visible, focusing on the helmet.
  7
Screenshot of a webpage titled "Mountain Bike Deals" displaying various mountain bike helmets from different retailers. The image features products labeled with their names and prices, along with brand names such as "Fox Racing" and "Aventuron."
A sleek, modern mountain bike with a lightweight silver frame, featuring a curved design and wide tires. The bike is positioned against a bright orange background, highlighting its disc brakes and gear components. The handlebars and seat are designed for comfort and control, making it suitable for outdoor trails and rugged terrain.
  3
Close-up view of a bicycle rear wheel, showcasing a textured black tire with a distinctive tread pattern and a turquoise bike frame in the background, set against a blurred green grassy landscape.
  7
Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail, one cyclist in the foreground descending over the terrain while the other follows closely behind. The landscape features large boulders and sparse vegetation under a cloudy sky.
  1
A mountain biker in a yellow shirt and black pants leans into a turn on a rocky trail, kicking up dust behind them. The bike features thick tires and appears to be navigating a challenging terrain under a partially cloudy sky.
Close-up view of a white mountain bike frame prominently featuring the letters "YT." Surrounding foliage and natural elements create a lush, green background. The image captures details of the bike's components, including the handlebars and front suspension.
  70
A close-up view of a person wearing a gray bicycle helmet with ventilation holes, paired with transparent sunglasses. The background features a lush green lawn.
  3
Close-up of a mountain bike saddle and seat post against a lush green background, showcasing the bike's frame and tire. The saddle is black, and the frame is a vibrant blue color.
A modern mountain bike with a sleek black frame and prominent suspension components, set against a vibrant green background. The bike features wide tires, disc brakes, and a single gear setup, emphasizing its design for off-road performance.
A mountain biker in a turquoise outfit navigates a rocky trail through a forested landscape, with mountains visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
  1
A mountain biker performs a jump on a curved dirt ramp surrounded by trees, showcasing dynamic movement and skill in an outdoor setting. The ramp features a metal grate design, adding a modern touch to the natural environment.
  20
  10
  15
Three individuals are gathered on a rocky trail in a forested area, discussing their surroundings. One person, wearing a yellow shirt labeled "Trail Crew," stands with their hands on their hips, looking at the landscape. Another person, in a gray shirt, faces them, while the third, dressed in dark clothing, turns slightly away. The scene is set among pine trees with a natural rocky terrain, suggesting an outdoor activity or trail maintenance discussion.
Close-up of a mountain bike tire featuring the "Minion DHF" branding, with visible tread patterns and specifications, including size 29x2.50WT and a recommended pressure of 50 PSI, set against a blurred natural background with fallen leaves.
  17
  3
A person in a red shirt and black shorts is crouched next to a mountain bike, making adjustments to the bike's components. The bike, which is partially leaning against a van, has thick tires and visible dirt, indicating it has been used off-road. The background shows a grassy area with some trees, and the van's doors are slightly open, revealing some gear inside.
  3
Close-up view of a vibrant red bicycle chainring with an intricate design, placed on a textured, blurred background featuring warm orange hues. The chainring has a metallic sheen, showcasing its detailed craftsmanship.
  2
A close-up view of a mountain biker's hands gripping the handlebars of a bike while riding on a narrow wooden trail through a wooded area, surrounded by foliage and fallen leaves. Nocatee mountain bike trail.
  13
Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a black and orange design, showcasing the grip and brake lever against a blurred green natural background.
  5
  2
Aerial view of a small town surrounded by mountains, captured in black and white. The town features a grid of streets, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with trees and open land visible in the surrounding landscape.
  11
A person in a red shirt rides a mountain bike along a trail in a lush green forest, surrounded by trees and underbrush. The cyclist leans into the turn while wearing a helmet with an action camera attached. Sunlight filters through the leaves, illuminating the dirt path.
  11
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire, featuring the tread pattern and details such as the brand "AVL," size "2.4x29," and information indicating it is tubeless ready. The background is a blurred green forest setting, suggesting an outdoor environment suitable for biking.
  2
A red inflatable boat with a bicycle resting on it, positioned at the edge of a calm lake. The shoreline features sandy areas and scattered branches, with a distant island visible on the water. The sky is clear with a few clouds, suggesting a peaceful outdoor setting.
  4
A person riding a mountain bike is smiling while resting on a gravel path in a dense forest. The surrounding area features tall trees and lush greenery, with another path visible in the background where two hikers are walking.
  49
  33
Close-up of a bicycle tire tread, showcasing its detailed patterns and texture, with a blurred green background that suggests an outdoor setting.
Close-up of a black bicycle wheel hub with the logo "Reynolds Cycling," set against a textured tree trunk and green foliage in the background.
A cyclist in a blue and green jersey rides a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a lush forest. The image captures a dynamic moment as the rider navigates through the trees, showcasing the vibrant greenery and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.
  18
Close-up image of a bicycle wheel showing a textured tire with a knobby pattern, a portion of the bicycle frame in vibrant blue, and a brake mechanism. The background features a blurred, natural landscape with leaves and soft lighting.
  9
Close-up of a mountain bike tire showing the tread pattern and specifications, with a blurred background of a green forest. The tire is labeled "GJT 2.5x29," indicating its size and type. The image captures the bicycle wheel positioned on a natural, leaf-covered ground.
  2
  10
A collection of black bike dropper seat posts arranged closely together on a white surface, showcasing various lengths and adjustment markings.
A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green trees. The rider is wearing a helmet and sunglasses, and is in an action pose as he pedals down the path. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating a vibrant and dynamic outdoor scene.
Two mountain bikers navigating a rocky trail on a hillside surrounded by trees, with a scenic valley and distant mountains visible in the background. The sky is clear, showcasing a bright and sunny day.
  8
Close-up of a mountain bike tire with rugged tread, set against a blurred green forest background. The focus is on the tire's texture and design, emphasizing its suitability for off-road terrain.
  44
Two men riding bicycles on a dirt path through a wooded area. One man, wearing sunglasses and a plaid shirt, leans forward on his bike, while the second man, in a helmet and black attire, pedals closely behind him. The scene is set under a clear blue sky, surrounded by green trees and dry grass.
  1