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 winding dirt path through lush green grass, bordered by an arching tree branch overhead. The scene conveys a tranquil and inviting natural setting.
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A black and yellow mountain bike parked on a rocky surface, surrounded by trees in a natural outdoor setting. The bike features thick tires suitable for rugged terrain and is positioned on a sunny day.
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A person with long, curly hair and a headband is intensely pedaling on an exercise bike, showing a passionate expression as they look down at the bike's display. The background is a solid blue color.
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Close-up of two white bicycle handlebar grips designed with raised keyboard-like keys. The grips are placed on a patterned brown surface, highlighting their unique design.
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A Polar CS600X bike computer and USB connector resting on green grass. The bike computer displays the date and time, with a sleek, rounded design. The USB connector is silver with a red cap, both featuring the Polar logo.
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A black and yellow mountain bike designed for downhill riding, featuring a full suspension system, thick tires, and disc brakes. The bike has a sleek frame and an adjustable seat.
Close-up view of a printed circuit board featuring intricate pathways, small components, and two prominent microchips against a vibrant green background.
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A man in casual attire stands beside his mountain bike on a gravel path, surrounded by trees. He wears a blue t-shirt and shorts, with flip-flops on his feet. The bike has a race number attached to it, indicating participation in an event. In the background, several parked vehicles are visible.
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A downhill mountain biker wearing protective gear navigates a winding dirt trail, while spectators watch from the side. The scene captures the excitement of a mountain biking event in a forested area.
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A mountain bike resting on a wooden bridge made from a fallen log, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The peaceful forest setting provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities.
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A winding dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and trees in a forest setting. The path is slightly overgrown, with ferns and shrubs along the edges, creating a natural and serene atmosphere.
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A scenic outdoor setting featuring several mountain bikers crossing a rocky riverbed. On the left, cyclists navigate through shallow water, surrounded by stunning mountains and a clear blue sky. On the right, a biker is lifting their bike over their shoulder while walking through the water.
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A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain in a lush forested area, with misty trees in the background. The image promotes Whistler Mountain Bike Park, featuring the text "Opening Day May 16, 2009."
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A person hiking along a dirt trail through a lush green meadow, surrounded by tall pine trees and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
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A winding dirt path surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, creating a tranquil forest scene. The path is slightly wet, suggesting recent rain, and the vibrant greenery indicates a healthy, thriving woodland environment.
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Two male cyclists are competing in a race. The cyclist in the foreground, wearing a green and yellow jersey with the number 03, is leaning forward on his bike as he speeds ahead. The second cyclist, dressed in a red jersey, is closely behind. The background features spectators and other cyclists, emphasizing the competitive atmosphere of the event.
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A close-up of a person wearing a ski helmet and goggles, with a Contour HD camera mounted on the side of the helmet. The goggles have a reflective lens, and the person's expression suggests focus and determination. The background is dark, emphasizing the helmet and goggles.
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A group of mountain bikers navigating a dirt trail through a forested area during autumn, with fallen leaves on the ground and trees in the background. One rider is leading the group, wearing a red helmet and colorful long-sleeve jersey, while others follow behind, dressed in various biking attire.
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A mountain biker in athletic gear jumps off a rocky incline, with a backdrop of mountains and a bright blue sky dotted with clouds. The bike features distinctive yellow wheels, and the rider appears focused and in motion.
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A mountain biker enjoying a ride through a wooded trail covered in autumn leaves, with sunlight filtering through the trees. The rider, wearing a helmet and a backpack, navigates a rocky section of the path.
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A wheelchair athlete raises one hand in victory as they cross the finish line, breaking the tape at a race. The setting includes urban scenery in the background, indicating a lively event atmosphere. The athlete is wearing a helmet and racing attire, showcasing determination and achievement.
A cyclist in a red outfit rides a mountain bike down a snowy slope, leaning forward to gain speed. The background is predominantly white, emphasizing the action and movement of the rider.
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Close-up view of a muddy bicycle tire on a dirt path, with tire tread marks visible in the mud and scattered leaves nearby.
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A 3D topographic map showing the mountain range and terrain of Southern Arizona, featuring key locations such as Mt. Lemmon, Mt. Wrightson, Patagonia, Parker Lake, and the Canelo Hills. A red line traces a hiking route connecting these landmarks, with Mexico located to the south. The landscape is depicted with textured earth tones and dramatic elevation changes.
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A close-up image of numerous white plastic spools or tubes piled together, showcasing their textured surfaces and circular openings. The spools are arranged in a disorganized manner, creating a visually interesting pattern.
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A pair of black metal handcuffs with a locking mechanism, accompanied by a key, resting on a white background.
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A bustling outdoor event scene featuring a wide dirt pathway flanked by vendor tents displaying various brands. People are walking and mingling, with some cycling, under a clear blue sky. The tents are marked with logos, and there are various flags and banners in the background, creating a lively atmosphere.
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A cyclist performing a jump on a mountain bike amidst a grassy landscape and bare trees, with a clear blue sky in the background.
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A mountain biker wearing a helmet and a yellow shirt rides down a steep, uneven set of stairs in a historic setting, while a photographer captures the action. The video title is "Extreme Mexican Mountain Biking."
Screenshot of a YouTube channel with a video in progress, featuring instructional content and a red-themed layout. The video shows a person wearing blue gloves working on a mechanical task. The channel section includes recent uploads and options to connect or subscribe.
A modern mountain bike with a white frame and orange accents, featuring front and rear disc brakes, knobby tires, and a suspension system. The bike is positioned on a flat surface, showcasing its sleek design and sturdy build.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a black grip with "Syncros" branding and measurement markings visible, set against a blurred background of red foliage.
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A group of cyclists in colorful jerseys and helmets prepare for a race, lined up on a road with spectators in the background. The cyclists include both adults and youths, and various bicycles are visible. The scene is set in a hilly area, with greenery and a banner promoting the event nearby.
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A close-up view of a brown mountain bike, focusing on the saddle and seat post. Attached to the seat post is a green accessory. The background features trees and a slightly blurred natural landscape, indicating an outdoor setting. Leaves are scattered on the ground, suggesting a fall or early winter environment.
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A mountain biker in a red jersey jumps off a wooden ramp into a wooded area, with trees surrounding the scene. Below, a small group of people watches from a dirt path, observing the action amidst a natural landscape.
A winding dirt trail leads through a grassy hillside, surrounded by tall pine trees under a cloudy sky.
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A street view image showing the exterior of a modern building located at 882 W Madison St, Waterloo, WI, United States. The entrance is visible along with landscaping and signage indicating the street name. A flag is also seen in the background.
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