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 pair of brown sunglasses resting on a bicycle component, with blurred greenery in the background, suggesting an outdoor setting.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Spy Optic Quanta Sunglasses Review
Sep 26, 2011
A display showcasing various 29er tires at a trade show. The image features a variety of tires labeled as "multi-compound" and "studded 29er." Attendees are examining the products while informational panels can be seen in the background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Interbike MTB Tire Report: Tubeless, 29ers, and Multi-Compound
Sep 21, 2011
  4
A blue mountain bike resting on rocky terrain in a desert landscape, surrounded by small shrubs and hills in the background under a cloudy sky.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
2012 Marin Rift Zone XC7 29er Review
Sep 19, 2011
A silver mountain bike with front suspension, standing on rocky, gravelly terrain, surrounded by sparse vegetation. The bike features thick tires suitable for off-road trails and has a sleek design ideal for mountain biking.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Yeti SB95 FS 29er Review
Sep 19, 2011
  2
A close-up side view of a high-performance mountain bike on a wooden display stand, featuring a black and orange color scheme. The bike is equipped with advanced components, including a front suspension fork, disc brakes, and a geared drivetrain, set against a backdrop of a cycling event with other bikes and people in the background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
The Mountain Bikes of Interbike 2011
Sep 16, 2011
  5
Mountain bike prominently displayed on rocky terrain with a backdrop of hills and cloudy sky. The bike has a black frame and is covered in dirt, suggesting recent use in outdoor riding.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Giant Anthem X FS 29er Review
Sep 15, 2011
  8
A black fat bike leaning against a rocky surface, with large, thick tires designed for off-road terrain. The bike is covered in a light layer of dust, indicating previous use on a rugged trail.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Surly Moonlander Mountain Bike Review
Sep 15, 2011
  6
A mountain bike resting on rocky terrain in a desert landscape, featuring a sturdy frame with green accents, wide tires, and a small saddle bag attached to the seat. In the background, rugged hills and sparse vegetation are visible under a cloudy sky.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Trek Rumblefish FS 29er Review
Sep 15, 2011
  11
Mountain bike resting on rocky terrain with a backdrop of mountains and sparse vegetation. The bike features a sleek design with black and red accents, front suspension, and rugged tires, suggesting readiness for off-road adventures.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Specialized Camber Pro 29er Mountain Bike Review
Sep 14, 2011
  14
A black and white mountain bicycle parked on rocky terrain with a desert landscape in the background, featuring hills and sparse vegetation under a cloudy sky.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Redline d680 29er Mountain Bike Review
Sep 14, 2011
  1
A vibrant orange mountain bike positioned on a sandy, rocky terrain with sparse vegetation in the background.
Cross Country Bikes
Santa Cruz Tallboy Carbon 29er Mountain Bike Review
Sep 14, 2011
  13
A display of various bicycle handlebars arranged on a stand, featuring different sizes and colors, including white and black. The handlebars are labeled with numbers and brand names, and there are accompanying components, such as stems and grips, positioned below them on a perforated metal surface. In the background, abstract shapes and bicycle wheels can be seen, suggesting a cycling expo or trade show environment.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
The Best MTB Gear of 2011
Sep 8, 2011
  5
A mobile app interface displaying photos of hiking trails on the left and a map of the area on the right. The photos include various landscapes, showcasing paths and trees. Below the photos, there are action buttons labeled “Update trail status,” “Check in,” “Review,” “Add to my trails,” and “Remove from my wishlist.” The map section shows terrain details and direction features.
Culture
Android App + Trail Progress Bars
Sep 2, 2011
  8
An image featuring a scenic mountain background next to a smartphone displaying information about the Bianchi Sok 29er Multi-speed bike, including its price of $1800 and rating. The left side of the image includes the logo for Singletracks, a biking community site.
Culture
Singletracks iPhone App Update
Aug 26, 2011
  11
A cyclist in a blue and white jersey stands next to a mountain bike on a wooded trail, with a fallen log across the path. The surroundings are filled with trees and leaves, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.
Culture
Spoiler Alert: Why I'm Not a Fan of Calling Out Obstacles on the Trail
Aug 22, 2011
  23
A sunny landscape featuring a dirt path winding through tall green grass, leading towards a rocky hillside in the background. The sky is clear blue, highlighting the natural scenery of rolling hills and vegetation.
Culture
USAPCC Stages 5&6: Steamboat Springs, Breck, Golden, & Denver
Aug 19, 2011
  1
Three mountain bikers riding through a lush green landscape with rolling hills and aspen trees, set against a backdrop of distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Culture
USAPCC Stages 3&4: Vail, Avon, and Steamboat Springs
Aug 17, 2011
A winding dirt trail through a grassy landscape, surrounded by sparse shrubs and rocks, under a bright blue sky with a few clouds. A silhouette of a cyclist can be seen riding along the path in the distance.
Mountain Bike Trails
USAPCC Stage 2: Gunnison to Aspen
Aug 15, 2011
  3
A scenic view of a wide highway with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds. In the background, there are majestic mountains covered with greenery, while the foreground features a smooth, cracked asphalt road with a guardrail.
Community
USAPCC Stage 1: Salida to Crested Butte
Aug 15, 2011
  1
A scenic view of a park featuring red rock formations and greenery. A walking path winds through the landscape, with signposts indicating directions. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Community
USAPCC Prologue Preview: Colorado Springs
Aug 11, 2011
  6
A winding dirt trail leads through a grassy hillside, flanked by clusters of evergreen trees, under a partly cloudy sky. The terrain varies from rocky patches to lush green vegetation, creating a serene outdoor scene ideal for hiking and nature exploration.
Community
USA Pro Cycling Challenge Coming to Colorado: A Mountain Biker's Guide
Aug 5, 2011
  1
A flat lay arrangement of cycling accessories including a green pair of gloves, various bike components in their packaging, a t-shirt with the "singletrack" logo, a membership card, and stickers that read "I Love Bike." The items are displayed on a dark surface, showcasing a variety of gear for biking enthusiasts.
Culture
Name that MTB Trail Contest Starts Today!
Aug 1, 2011
  1
Book cover of "The Man Who Cycled the World" by Mark Beaumont, featuring an image of a man in a cycling jersey standing next to a bicycle on a road with a desert landscape in the background. The title and author's name are prominently displayed in bold text.
Culture
The Man Who Cycled the World
Jul 22, 2011
  3
A close-up view of a mountain bike's front fork and tire, featuring the Syncros logo. The bike is positioned near greenery, with a focus on the details of the tire tread and the fork design.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Syncros FL Carbon 29er Mountain Bike Fork Review
Jul 20, 2011
  9
A mountain bike resting on a grassy hillside with a mountainous backdrop, featuring a silver frame, black tires, and a visible chain and gears. The scene showcases a lush, green landscape under a clear sky.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
1x9 and Feeling Fine
Jul 8, 2011
  18
Bike Racks
Kuat Sherpa Hitch Rack: A Silver Platter for Your MTB
Jul 1, 2011
  12
Exterior view of Fat Tire Farm, a bicycle shop, featuring a blue mural and large windows displaying bicycles inside. The sign above the entrance reads "Fat Tire Farm" and indicates that the shop is open. Several parked cars are visible in front of the store, with greenery in the background.
Culture
8 Bike Culture Observations From Portland, OR
Jun 30, 2011
  7
A forest scene with a variety of green trees and shrubs under a cloudy sky, showcasing a mix of tall coniferous trees and foliage in the foreground. The landscape extends into the distance, revealing more trees and gentle hills.
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain Biking Oregon: Tillamook State Forest
Jun 17, 2011
  4
A narrow dirt path winding through a lush forest, lined by tall trees with green foliage, creating a serene and natural atmosphere.
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain Biking Oregon: Sandy Ridge
Jun 16, 2011
  7
A black bicycle fork with the brand name "FL" and the word "CARBON" printed in red, resting on green grass. The fork features a design suitable for mountain biking, with a sturdy construction.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Syncros FL Carbon Mountain Bike Fork Preview
Jun 6, 2011
  10
Sign welcoming visitors to Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trails, featuring logos of the Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The background includes greenery and trees.
Community
Singletracks Meet Up: Blankets Creek Saturday @ 10am
May 25, 2011
  7
A close-up, black-and-white portrait of a man wearing a helmet, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. His expression is focused, highlighting his features such as freckles and the contours of his face. A blurred natural background is slightly visible behind him.
Culture
Help Support MTB Documentary: Type1Rider
May 24, 2011
  1
A mountain biker in protective gear jumps off a dirt ramp in a forested area, surrounded by tall pine trees and lush greenery. The trail is visible in the background, and a trail marker is partially visible near the ramp.
Community
Melting Snow = DH Season! Resort Opening Dates
May 20, 2011
  6
Image depicting a cycling event with a focus on competitive spirit. In the foreground, a cyclist in a red jersey with a logo sits on a chair, while in the background, another cyclist rides on a trail. The image features bold graphics with the text "UNRIVALED" and mentions top finishes at an event in a bold, modern layout.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
SRAM IPO: Good Investment?
May 13, 2011
  4
A calendar page for May, featuring a vibrant photograph of a cyclist performing a trick on a wooden ramp in a forest setting. The image captures a dynamic moment, with sunlight filtering through the trees. The calendar includes the days of the month and is placed on a wooden surface.
Community
National Bike Month: Festivals and Contests
May 13, 2011
  5
A sign indicating that a trail is closed for revegetation and erosion control, surrounded by a wooded area with fallen branches and some snow on the ground.
Mountain Bike Trails
Pro Mountain Biker Sentenced to 3 Days in Jail for Riding Illegal Boulder Trail
May 3, 2011
  13
Three male mountain bikers stand on a podium with their arms raised in celebration. They are wearing colorful cycling jerseys and shorts. The background features a large banner with various sponsors and logos, and the setting is under a wooden structure, likely a pavilion or shelter.
Community
Singletracks Sponsored MTB Race Team: Faster Mustache
May 3, 2011
  3
A colorful cycling jersey featuring a green and white geometric design with black accents and branding on the sleeves.
Culture
Pre-order Your Singletracks Jersey
Apr 21, 2011
  3
A group of volunteers working on a wooded trail, clearing debris and leveling the ground. The scene shows a person using a tool on the trail, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves. Other volunteers can be seen in the background, engaged in similar activities. The area is rocky and covered with fallen leaves, reflecting a peaceful outdoor setting.
Mountain Bike Trails
Singletracks Trail Work Day @ Lake Hartwell (GA): Sat. April 23, 2011
Apr 18, 2011
  2
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear brake system, featuring a black brake caliper marked with "XO," connected to a disc brake rotor and surrounding components. The background is blurred, highlighting the intricate details of the brake assembly.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
MTB Review: 2011 Avid X0 Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Apr 11, 2011
  3
Five mountain bikers standing on a trail, looking out over a scenic landscape of mountains, green forests, and a blue sky with fluffy clouds. The bikers are wearing helmets and cycling gear, with their bikes positioned beside them. Snow-capped peaks are visible in the distance.
Culture
Sacred Rides MTB Trail Review Contest Winners
Apr 4, 2011
  6
Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub and disc brake, showing the intricate details of the spokes and metallic components, with dirt and leaves in the background, suggesting outdoor use.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Easton Haven 29er Wheelset Review
Apr 4, 2011
  3
An X-ray image of a human forearm showing the bones of the radius and ulna. The image displays the skeletal structure with a dark background.
Culture
Mountain Biking: Full Restriction
Apr 1, 2011
  22
A mountain biking race taking place in a wooded area, featuring two riders in action. One cyclist, wearing a red and white jersey and a red helmet, is leading the way, while another cyclist in a blue jersey trails closely behind. In the background, an orange tent and spectators can be seen amidst the trees.
Culture
MTB Film Review: The Potential Inside
Mar 31, 2011
  2
A person in an orange jacket is packing a backpack outside a cabin surrounded by tall pine trees and open grassland, with a mountainous landscape in the background.
Culture
Planning Your Summer MTB Adventures
Mar 24, 2011
  3
Two mountain bikers riding on a winding dirt trail through a dry, hilly landscape. The terrain is rocky with patches of grass, and distant mountains are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain Bike Ride Report: Olleros Trail, Peru
Mar 17, 2011
  8
Three scenic images of a lakeside recreational area. The first image shows a gravel area surrounded by trees, the second features a boat ramp and dock with tranquil green water, and the third captures a peaceful lakeside path lined with trees.
Mountain Bike Trails
New Bike Trails at Paynes Creek on Lake Hartwell (GA) Opening in April - With Your Help
Mar 17, 2011
  3
Five mountain bikers, standing side by side on a trail, gaze out at a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains and lush green forests under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. They are wearing helmets and biking gear, with their bikes parked next to them.
Mountain Bike Trails
Win a BC Bike Trip: Sacred Rides Trail Review Contest on Singletracks
Mar 14, 2011
  3