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
 
Close-up view of a black bicycle rear derailleur mounted on a frame, with a chain running through it. The background features brown leaves, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A mountain biker, covered in mud, navigates a rocky, wooded trail during a rainy day. The cyclist wears a helmet and a gray jacket, with a race number visible on the bike. Surrounding trees are bare, and wet leaves cover the ground.
  6
A panoramic view of a rugged, arid landscape showcasing layered hills and valleys with reddish-brown earth. A narrow dirt path meanders along the top of a ridge, leading into the distance under a clear blue sky. Mountain ranges are visible on the horizon.
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A black and blue bicycle helmet is placed next to a pair of gloves featuring a similar design with bright yellow accents. In the background, there is a collection of books on biking. A package labeled "Crank Protection" is also visible, featuring a design layout.
  1
A screenshot of an online review page featuring three sections: "Big Creek Reviews," "Central Park Reviews," and "Chicopee Woods Reviews." Each section includes a star rating, a brief review of the respective trails, and an update on their status (open, closed, or in need of work). The reviews highlight user experiences and provide trail condition insights.
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A mountain biker pushing their bicycle uphill on a rocky trail, surrounded by mountains and clear blue skies.
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Three men stand beside a small aircraft on a salt flat, each holding a bicycle. The men are casually dressed, with two wearing dark shirts and one in a light blue shirt. The aircraft has a red and white design, and the backdrop features a clear blue sky and distant mountains.
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A close-up view of a metal bicycle cassette, featuring multiple gear sprockets stacked in a circular arrangement. The background includes various bicycle-related stickers and packaging.
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Image displaying a background gradient with the text "No Photo" prominently centered.
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A mountain bike with a race number 726 attached is parked on a gravel surface. The bike is covered in mud, indicating recent use in a rugged outdoor environment. In the background, a gray vehicle is partially visible amidst green trees.
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A tranquil forest scene with bare trees and a carpet of fallen leaves covering the ground. The path meanders gently through the woods, surrounded by tall trees with sparse foliage, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
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A narrow dirt trail winding through a forest of tall pine trees, with a ground covered in reddish-brown pine needles.
  5
A mountain bike parked beside a narrow dirt trail winding through a forest with bare trees and autumn leaves scattered on the ground.
  3
Close-up view of a muddy bicycle drivetrain, featuring a dirty chain, crankset, and rear wheel. The frame shows significant buildup of mud, indicating recent use in off-road conditions.
  3
A mountain bike resting on a path next to a sign that displays the "Rules of the Trail," set in a wooded area with bare trees and a misty atmosphere. The ground is covered with brown leaves and the path is a mix of dirt and paved sections.
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A dirt path winding through a forest with leaf-covered ground, leading up a small hill. Tall trees with bare branches line the path, creating a serene and natural atmosphere.
  2
A group of mountain bikers resting in a wooded area. One cyclist is sitting on a bench near the trail, while three others stand next to their bikes, discussing their route. The scene is surrounded by tall trees and a natural forest floor.
  4
A rusty bicycle lying on the sandy bank of a river, with trees and a rocky shore in the background. The water is clear and calm, reflecting the surrounding scenery. The environment appears tranquil and somewhat secluded.
  3
A mountain bike leaning against a weathered wooden wall, featuring a mix of colors including silver and green. The bike's tires are muddy, suggesting recent use in outdoor conditions. Fallen leaves and debris are scattered around the base of the bike.
  3
A green sign welcoming visitors to the 1996 Olympic Mountain Bike Course, with instructions stating that the trail is maintained by volunteers from the Southern Off Road Bicycle Association. The sign also indicates that all riders must wear helmets beyond a certain point and that the trail is one direction only, instructing visitors to follow arrows. In the background, there is an open field and trees under a clear blue sky.
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Two mountain bikers racing on a dirt trail surrounded by pine trees. The rider in the foreground is wearing a blue and white jersey and is making a hand gesture, while the second rider in the background wears a black and blue jersey. The terrain is dusted with a sandy texture and the sky has a mix of clouds.
  6
A winding dirt trail covered in fallen leaves leads through a forest of tall trees, with a wooden bicycle ramp extending over a drop-off on the left side. A mountain bike is leaning against the hill next to the ramp, and the scene is illuminated by soft, natural light filtering through the trees.
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Close-up view of a textured stone surface featuring a distinct, dark line running along the rock, surrounded by lighter areas and shadows from nearby vegetation. The image captures the natural patterns and erosion effects on the stone.
  4
A geometric logo featuring three stylized green mountain peaks set against a black topographic background. The design includes varying shades of green and a white border.
  11
Two off-road motorcycles are positioned on a dimly lit trail during nighttime, surrounded by dense foliage. Bright headlights illuminate the path, casting light on fallen leaves, while figures, possibly riders, are partially visible near the bikes.
  6
A narrow dirt path meanders through a forest with tall trees, surrounded by a carpet of fallen leaves. The scene captures the tranquility of a wooded area in autumn, with branches devoid of leaves in some places and hints of greenery in others. Soft sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the pathway that leads deeper into the forest.
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Clear weatherproof camera mounted on a suction cup stand, displaying dual lenses for capturing images.
  5
A mountain bike resting next to a large rock on a forest trail covered with fallen leaves, surrounded by trees in a wooded area.
  5
A simple stick figure riding a bicycle in water, with an arrow pointing to the bike's handlebars. The background features a blue water line below the figure, suggesting it is submerged.
  12
A mountain bike with a partially snow-covered frame stands beside a snowy trail winding through a dense forest. The trees are bare, and the ground is blanketed in fresh snow, creating a serene winter landscape.
  8
A close-up view of a mountain bike parked next to a winding dirt trail, surrounded by tall trees and scattered leaves. Sunlight filters through the forest, casting shadows on the path.
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Close-up of a Contour HD action camera attached to a bicycle frame, secured with a pink strap. The camera features a wide-angle lens and is designed for outdoor recording.
  7
Image showing a Contour GPS action camera on the left and a smartphone on the right, connected by a Bluetooth symbol in the center, indicating compatibility for wireless functionality. The smartphone screen displays a scenic view captured by the camera.
  4
Close-up view of a mountain bike's front fork and wheel, showcasing the white suspension fork labeled "Mr. MiniUT 26" and a black tire with "Maxxis" branding, set against a backdrop of a forested area with trees and earthy ground.
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A silver mountain bike with black accents, featuring a sturdy frame and thick tires, positioned on a grassy terrain with trees in the background. The bike includes yellow suspension components and multiple gears, suggesting it is designed for off-road use.
  13
A mountain biker pauses on a rugged trail, surrounded by lush green vegetation and distant mountain peaks under a partly cloudy sky. The cyclist, wearing a helmet and sporting a backpack, looks towards a prominent mountain in the background, highlighting a scenic outdoor adventure.
  5
Close-up view of a mountain bike frame showcasing a shock absorber, with a textured black and green design. The frame is leaning against a tree trunk, emphasizing the outdoor setting.
  3
A mobile app interface displaying a line graph for altitude over time, featuring a yellow line that fluctuates between values ranging from approximately 882.5 to 1197.4. The graph is titled "Altitude/Time" and includes buttons for navigation and adjustments.
  10
Three cyclists in full racing gear compete on a dirt track, with trees and a banner in the background. Two riders are leaning forward while pedaling vigorously, and a third rider trails behind, all showcasing dynamic movement and intensity during the race.
  3
Text graphic featuring the phrase "29 Trails in 29 Days" over a textured rock background with moss.
  16
Close-up view of a muddy mountain bike rear suspension component, showcasing dirt and debris accumulated on the frame and parts after a ride.
  15
Image featuring the logo of "The Hub in the Forest" along with various mountain biking brands such as Orange, Charge, Kona, and others, set against a textured background with a silhouette of a cyclist in motion.
  5
A young man with a playful expression holds a silver medal and a large check for $7,500, celebrating his 2nd place finish in the men's slopestyle event. He is wearing a black cap and a medal around his neck, with a snowy slope and competition backdrop behind him. The image has a green border and includes event branding in the corners.
Close-up of a person with a muddy face, wearing glasses and showing teeth in an intense expression. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor environment. In the top right corner, there is a logo featuring a star and the words "Titus Tempe, Arizona." The overall image is in black and white.
  3
A dirt hiking trail winding through a forest of tall trees, with sunlight filtering through the foliage. A person is seen walking along the path, surrounded by fallen leaves and greenery.
  6
Abstract graphic featuring a bold red and white design with curving shapes and a textured appearance, against a black background.
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