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 performing a wheelie on a mountain bike in front of a colorful mural featuring blue abstract designs. The individual has short hair and a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans, with a focused expression. The bike has a camouflage bag attached to its frame.
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Close-up of a bike's dropper seat post featuring the Fox logo, positioned against a blurred background of trees and leaves. The post is marked with a scale labeled "T R A N," indicating height adjustments, and is mounted to a blue and green mountain bike frame.
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A mountain biker pushes their bike uphill on a rocky trail, surrounded by lush green mountains and a clear blue sky in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and sporty clothes, showcasing the rugged terrain of the biking trail.
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A mountain biker performs an airborne trick while jumping off a ramp in a forested area. The rider is wearing bright orange gear, including a helmet, and is captured mid-air with the bike's front wheel lifted. Tall evergreen trees create a natural backdrop, highlighting the outdoor adventure.
A cyclist wearing a black and orange cycling jersey and a green helmet competes in a mountain biking event in a wintery forest setting. The cyclist is focused and determined, riding a green bike with a number plate marked '89.' Trees are visible in the background, with some patches of snow on the ground.
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A close-up view of two metal bike chains laid over a wooden surface with a measuring tape in the background. The chains exhibit a shiny, metallic finish, and the measuring tape shows measurements in inches.
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A panoramic view of rolling green mountains under a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The foreground features a mix of lush green trees and some barren branches, while the landscape fades into the distant mountains, creating a serene and tranquil natural scene.
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How to Build a Cheap Multi Bike Storage Rack
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A close-up view of a mountain bike's rear suspension system, showcasing the complex interplay between the frame and shock absorber. The frame features a blend of black and vibrant pink colors, with visible components such as the chain, gears, and part of the tire in focus. The background consists of natural foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a mounted front light, with a blurred natural background of warm colors and soft bokeh effects.
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A black cap with a blue geometric logo rests on a dark surface next to a microphone. The background features a light-colored wall.
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A smiling truck driver sitting in the cab of a large, dark-colored truck. The reflection in the side mirror shows part of the truck's exterior and surroundings. The sky is overcast, adding a gray backdrop to the scene.
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Close-up image of the crankset and chain of a mountain bike, showcasing the black and teal frame, chainrings, and chain. The background features a natural setting with leaves and stones, indicating an outdoor environment.
A close-up image of a person riding a mountain bike, focusing on their hands gripping the handlebars. The cyclist is wearing a bright blue jacket and black pants, with protective gear on their knees. The bike features a vibrant orange frame, and the background shows trees, indicating a forested trail.
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most expensive xc mountain bike
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A mountain biker in a red and blue jersey navigates a dirt trail during a downhill race, surrounded by lush greenery. Spectators in the background cheer and take photos as the rider maneuvers around obstacles marked by racing tape. The scene captures the excitement and energy of a biking competition.
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A black mountain bike is positioned on a grassy hillside, overlooking a scenic landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. The bike features a sleek frame and has both front and rear tires visible, showcasing its off-road capabilities.
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A close-up view of a gray glove with a textured palm, held up against a backdrop of green grass and vegetation. A bicycle wheel is slightly visible in the background.
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A rugged mountain trail winding through lush greenery, with rocky outcrops and steep slopes on either side. In the foreground, a mountain bike rests on a rocky path, overlooking the scenic landscape under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
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Image of various mountain biking protective gear, including knee and elbow pads, a chest protector, and shorts. The title reads "Favorite MTB Protection" with a subtitle indicating it is from the Singletracks Readers’ Choice 2017. The gear features brands like POC, Fox Racing, and Race Face, presented in a visually organized layout.
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Close-up of a bicycle's crankset, chain, and motor, showcasing a dirty chain and components in black and white. The image highlights the Yamaha branding on the motor and the intricate details of the crank and gears.
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A sleek, modern black scooter designed for snowboarding, featuring a sturdy frame with handlebars and a comfortable seat. The base has a wide platform with rounded edges, and it is equipped with high-quality suspension for stability. The design highlights the brand name "RIPPROW" prominently displayed on the handlebars and the base.
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5 enduro mountain bikes put to the test
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A mountain bike with a sleek, vibrant design featuring a pink and black frame, equipped with high-performance tires, is leaning against a tree in a wooded area. The background includes greenery and scattered leaves, suggesting an outdoor setting suitable for cycling adventures.
A group of people wearing hard hats and carrying tools are walking through a forested area, participating in a trail maintenance campaign titled "Dig In." The image features the text "Dig In Campaign" prominently, along with the hashtag #mountainbiker.
Close-up of a Yamaha control panel on a bicycle handlebar, featuring buttons for power, speed adjustment, and a selector switch, with textured grips and cables visible.
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A yellow sign attached to a tree in a forest area, prominently displaying the words "WRONG WAY" in large black letters. The background features a winding dirt path surrounded by greenery and trees, indicating a hiking trail or outdoor area.
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A row of yellow gardening tools with flat and forked heads, partially embedded in the ground, surrounded by green foliage and dirt.
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A mountain biker rides through a forest trail at night, illuminated by a headlamp. The cyclist is in motion, with one wheel lifted off the ground, surrounded by fallen leaves and scattered branches on the ground. The dark background of the forest is contrasted by the light from the headlamp and the glowing leaves, creating a dynamic nighttime scene.
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Top 10 Enduro All-Mountain Bikes 2017
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A collection of various bicycle tools hanging on a white pegboard, including a pair of wire cutters, a chain whip, a multi-tool, and an adjustable wrench, alongside a keychain featuring a bicycle silhouette and "Pisgah National Forest" engraved on it.
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A scenic mountain landscape featuring hikers on a rocky trail surrounded by lush green grass and trees, with a backdrop of towering mountains under a clear blue sky. A stylized sound icon is overlaid on the image.