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 close-up of a cyclist's foot in a shoe clipped into a bike pedal, accompanied by a light blue bicycle with prominent branding. A water bottle labeled "SPONSER" is visible near the bike frame, with foliage in the background.
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A mountain biker performs a jump off a rocky ledge, soaring above a scenic landscape filled with trees and rolling hills. Another biker navigates a sandy slope nearby, showcasing the thrilling nature of downhill mountain biking. The sky is overcast, adding a dramatic element to the outdoor action scene.
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A cyclist pauses on a winding mountain road, surrounded by lush green grass and colorful wildflowers. Dressed in cycling attire, wearing sunglasses and a helmet, they smile while resting on their bike, which is equipped with luggage. Tall trees and majestic mountains form a scenic backdrop under a clear blue sky.
A close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring a mounted light and a gray handlebar bag secured with straps. The grip displays the brand "Ultegra," and a hand is visible holding the grip. In the background, blurred figures of cyclists are present, with a natural setting of trees and dirt ground.
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Mountain bike parked on a rocky trail surrounded by green foliage and towering pine trees under a blue sky. The bike features a sleek green frame, thick tires, and an adjustable seat, making it ideal for off-road adventures.
  10
Close-up of a white cycling shoe being adjusted, featuring a unique dial closure system. The shoe displays a sleek design with textured patterns and ventilation holes, resting on a rocky surface. A hand is holding one of the dials, indicating preparation for use.
A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail through a lush, green forest. The rider is wearing a bright helmet, sunglasses, and biking gear, captured mid-jump with dirt flying from the bike tires. A large graphic symbol representing sound waves is overlaid in the center of the image.
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Interior view of a bicycle shop featuring a man at a wooden counter using a computer. The walls are adorned with bicycles hanging from the ceiling and shelves stocked with cycling accessories and gear. A decorative poster promoting cycling decorates the entrance area, while the floor has a patterned tile design. The shop has a warm, inviting ambiance with good lighting.
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A person's hand holding a small object over the opening of a transparent water bottle, positioned on a moss-covered rock in a natural outdoor setting with green foliage in the background.
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Close-up of a bicycle frame featuring a water bottle cage and storage compartment. The frame is dark gray with the word "FUEL" printed on it, and the storage compartment contains a black item with an orange strap labeled "BONTRAGER." The background includes green foliage and dirt, indicating an outdoor environment.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a dense forest, with tall trees surrounding the path and sunlight filtering through the foliage. The rider leans forward on their bike, showing agility as they maneuver over a series of large stones. Dust kicks up behind the bike, indicating speed and excitement.
A narrow dirt path winding through a lush forest, flanked by tall trees and a large moss-covered rock. The ground is rich with roots and ferns, creating a natural, serene atmosphere.
A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow trail surrounded by lush green trees, sunlight filtering through the foliage. An abstract graphic symbol is overlaid on the image, resembling sound waves or wireless signals.
A child riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail surrounded by trees in a lush, green forest. The boy is wearing a blue helmet and a blue and green cycling shirt, smiling as he navigates the winding path. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
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A close-up of a worn black kettlebell resting on a textured gym floor, with a blurred background of exercise equipment. A circular graphic with radiating lines overlays the kettlebell, suggesting movement or sound.
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A mountain bike positioned on grassy terrain, surrounded by a forest backdrop. The bike features a striking blue, white, and red design with thick tires, a sturdy frame, and suspension components, showcasing its suitability for off-road riding. Wildflowers and lush grass are visible in the foreground.
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A view from the handlebars of a mountain bike on a rocky dirt trail, overlooking a lake and rolling hills in the background. The scene is bright and sunny, with the rider's hands visible on the handlebars, wearing blue gloves.
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Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky, dirt trail surrounded by green foliage. The biker in the foreground, wearing an orange shirt and helmet, leans into the turn, kicking up dust behind him. A second biker can be seen in the background, following closely. The scene captures the excitement of outdoor mountain biking in a natural landscape under a clear blue sky.
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A close-up view of a bicycle handlebar with a "SOLD" sign attached, showcasing the bike's model details. In the background, other bicycles and a display board with product information can be seen, indicating a bike shop setting.
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Five glasses of beer in varying colors are arranged on a wooden tasting paddle. The drinks include shades from dark brown to light golden, showcasing different types of beer. In the background, a person is seen preparing drinks in a bar setting, with a blue wall and shelves containing liquor and glasses.
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A vibrant forest scene featuring a close-up of green moss and fallen leaves in the foreground, with several mountain bikers riding on a path in the background. The trees are bare, indicating early spring, and sunlight filters through the branches, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
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Pathway through a park featuring wooden planks winding around a large rock, surrounded by mulch and shaded by trees.
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A mountain biker leans into a turn while navigating a dirt trail surrounded by greenery. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and blue jersey, showcasing a dynamic riding posture. A graphic symbol of sound waves overlays the image, suggesting an auditory experience or announcement related to the activity.
A yellow-handled shovel resting on dry, dark soil with scattered leaves and rocks in the background. The image features a circular symbol representing sound waves overlaying the shovel.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over a rocky terrain in a forest setting, with trees and a blue sky in the background. The rider is dressed in athletic gear and appears focused while navigating the trail.
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A man wearing glasses with a sleek design and dark lenses, sitting outdoors surrounded by greenery. He has a thoughtful expression and is pointing to his temple with one finger, possibly indicating a gesture of contemplation or awareness. He is dressed in a long-sleeve athletic shirt with a logo on the chest.
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Close-up view of bright green flexible foam pieces on a textured surface, with a pen in the background. The image features a blurred bicycle tire and symbol indicating sound or wireless connectivity superimposed in the center.
A collection of colorful beer cans scattered on green grass, including brands like Lagunitas, New Belgium, Dogfish Head, SweetWater, and Terrapin. The cans feature various designs and labels indicating different styles of beer, such as IPAs and session ales. Some cans are partially crushed, adding to the casual outdoor setting.
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A group of mountain bikers stands in a dimly lit forest, illuminated by bright headlamps. In the foreground, a sign reads "THE PARTY'S HERE," adorned with a pink flamingo and green palm leaves, with shiny purple fringe hanging down. The ground is covered in pine needles and scattered leaves.
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A smiling man with glasses and a distinctive mustache stands outdoors in a forested area, wearing a vibrant, patterned suit and holding a vintage microphone. Trees and greenery are visible in the background, creating a natural, relaxed atmosphere.
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A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail in a forest, surrounded by tall trees and green ferns. The rider is in an athletic posture, focused on the path ahead, while wearing a helmet and protective gear. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a dappled effect on the ground.
  6
A close-up of a gray mountain bike helmet with droplets of water on its surface, resting on a yellow surface. The helmet features a prominent visor and ventilation openings, surrounded by a lush green background of trees and a gravel path.
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A mountain biker navigating a narrow dirt trail through a lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage. The rider is leaning into the turn, showcasing a dynamic biking posture while wearing a helmet and protective gear.
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Close-up of a mountain bike handlebar featuring a textured black grip and a black brake lever, with raindrops visible on the components. The blurred background showcases parts of the bike frame and wheels.
  3
A close-up image of a hand holding a brown tire plug with a metal tool, positioned near a mountain bike tire. The background features a tree trunk and grassy ground.
  3
A person wearing a long-sleeved, dark gray cycling shirt with a patterned sleeve and matching gray shorts is sitting on a mountain bike. They are in a lush, green outdoor setting with trees and grass in the background.