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 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.
Culture
Cannondale Not Made in USA After 2010
Apr 3, 2009
  2
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.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
4 FREE Ways to Reduce Your Bike's Weight
Apr 2, 2009
  3
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.
Community
Indian Mountain Biking Expedition Winners Are Disappointed
Apr 1, 2009
  2
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.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Simple Strap Replaces Your MTB Seatpost Bag
Mar 30, 2009
  2
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.
Mountain Bike Trails
Florida MTB Trail Challenges
Mar 30, 2009
An artistic illustration of a cyclist riding a bike, with a skeletal structure visible in the upper part of the body. The background is a solid green color, and the text "Riding the Spine" is displayed prominently in a stylized font at the top.
Culture
Riding the Spine Update
Mar 26, 2009
A winding dirt trail leads through a grassy hillside, surrounded by tall pine trees under a cloudy sky.
Culture
Bend, OR is 2009 best mountain biking town PLUS new Boulder singletrack
Mar 25, 2009
  4
Close-up view of a bicycle seat and seat post, set against a natural background of fallen leaves and trees. The seat features a sleek design with perforated detailing, and the seat post is adjustable. The image highlights the bicycle's components amidst a woodland environment.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Titec Hellbent Nemesis Prolite Saddle and Duke Prolite Seatpost
Mar 24, 2009
  1
A person riding a mountain bike across rugged, rocky terrain with prominent rock formations in the background under a clear sky.
Culture
Forbes Ranks 10 Great American Bike Trails
Mar 23, 2009
  4
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.
Culture
Trek Temporarily Furloughs 300 Workers
Mar 20, 2009
  2
A mountain biker rides a wooden wheel structure suspended among trees, showcasing an adventurous biking challenge. The biker, wearing a helmet and red jacket, navigates the uniquely designed obstacle made of wooden planks and beams.
Community
Mountain Biker Sam Brown Dies in Spokane Jail
Mar 17, 2009
  8
A mountain biker navigating a winding path through a wooded area in late autumn, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves on the ground.
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB Trail Features: The Toilet Bowl
Mar 16, 2009
Poster for the film "Klunkerz," featuring a vintage-style design with the title prominently displayed. The background includes a group of people, likely mountain bikers, along with the tagline "They re-invented the wheel." The poster lists contributors to the film, showcasing various names associated with mountain biking. The overall aesthetic suggests a nostalgic look at the history of mountain biking culture.
Culture
Klunkerz: THE Film About Mountain Bikes
Mar 13, 2009
  3
Graphic design featuring a stylized mountain bike in front of an artistic background that includes the Statue of Liberty and text reading "The Ellsworth Economic Recovery Plan." The overall tone combines elements of patriotism and outdoor recreation.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Ellsworth is offering $700 off new mountain bikes!
Mar 12, 2009
A mountain biker in a yellow jersey and a helmet stands next to his bicycle in a muddy area, while other cyclists navigate through a waterlogged path in the background. The scene captures a race or cycling event in a natural setting, surrounded by greenery.
Community
Epic MTB Races in the Southern Hemisphere
Mar 12, 2009
A blue Bianchi mountain bike with a front suspension fork, featuring a sleek design and visible brand name on the frame. The bike is displayed on a show floor with other bicycles in the background, highlighting its sporty aesthetic.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike and component price trends
Mar 11, 2009
  7
Image comparing two types of tire treads: the left shows a siped center tread with multiple small grooves for improved traction, while the right displays a clipped center tread designed for enhanced stability and performance.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
MTB Tire Mods: The quest for the perfect tire
Mar 5, 2009
A split image showing two scenes: on the left, a person in a bright green cycling outfit stands next to a rocky outcrop, with a red arrow indicating the trajectory of a fall; on the right, a close-up of a green wallet with visible damage, captioned "Cassie's Jimi wallet post impact."
Culture
A Lifesaving Wallet and Trail Booby Traps
Mar 3, 2009
  9
A stylish single-speed bicycle with a sleek frame is positioned on a rock, set against a dramatic sky. The bike features a minimalist design, a comfortable saddle, and large, thin tires, capturing a modern aesthetic ideal for outdoor adventures.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Forget the 29er - check out this 36er!
Mar 2, 2009
  1
A mountain bike with a brown and red frame, featuring front suspension, disc brakes, and thick tires, parked in front of a garage door.
Culture
Latest MTB Rumor: Iron Horse is no more?
Feb 27, 2009
  3
Image showing various components of the SRAM XX bicycle drivetrain, including derailleurs, crankset, and other related parts, with the text "Sub 2300g incl brakes" prominently displayed.
Culture
MTB News Roundup: SRAM XX pics, Leadville Century, and more
Feb 26, 2009
  1
A mountain biker in a blue shirt and helmet is jumping off a wooden ramp in a wooded area surrounded by palm trees. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating a vibrant green backdrop.
Community
MTB training and racing in paradise
Feb 25, 2009
  1
Close-up image of a bicycle handlebar featuring a textured gray grip, a brake lever labeled "STROKER," and a metallic brake mechanism. The background shows a rocky surface and some natural elements.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Building a 1-handed mountain bike
Feb 24, 2009
  1
Alt text: Close-up of a bicycle's handlebars and front fork, featuring a race number 214 attached to the frame. In the background, a grassy area and vehicles are visible. The handlebars have gear shifters and the bike has a green and yellow color scheme.
MTB Tips
The Dirty Century
Feb 23, 2009
  8
A smiling man wearing sunglasses and a gray baseball cap, standing outdoors at an event with tents and people in the background.
Culture
Brent Thomson Passes Away
Feb 19, 2009
  1
A Subaru vehicle adorned with promotional graphics for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) parked in a scenic outdoor setting with mountains in the background during sunset.
Community
2009 IMBA Trail Care Crew Schedule
Feb 19, 2009
  1
A mountain biker jumping off a dirt ramp in a forested area at sunset, with mountains visible in the background. The scene captures the action and excitement of extreme biking in a natural setting.
Community
Why freeriding might be the future of MTB
Feb 18, 2009
  2
A detailed map of the Pass'Portes du Soleil VTT for 2008, highlighting mountain biking routes in the Les Gets, Morzine, and Avoriaz areas. The map features marked trails, elevation details, and various points of interest. Key locations are labeled, including Les Lindarets and surrounding terrain, with a legend indicating symbols for different route types.
Community
Pass Portes du Soleil MTB Tour
Feb 17, 2009
A serene forest path covered with fallen leaves in autumn, featuring a small wooden bridge crossing over a shallow area. The surrounding trees display vibrant orange and yellow foliage, creating a warm, tranquil atmosphere. A backpack hangs on a tree in the background, adding a touch of human presence to the natural scene.
Community
Valentines Weekend Mountain Biking
Feb 16, 2009
  1
A computer screen displaying TopoFusion software, featuring a 3D terrain map with a highlighted red trail, an elevation profile graph showing altitude changes over distance, and statistics such as distance, total climbing, and heart rate. The map is centered at coordinates 33.80407, -84.31646.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
TopoFusion: A Mountain Biker's Dream App
Feb 12, 2009
A cyclist riding a mountain bike superimposed over a line graph displaying fluctuating data trends over time. The graph features a notable peak and dip, with time markers from September to February.
Culture
Economic indicator: Spending on high end mountain bikes improves
Feb 11, 2009
Group of cyclists riding at night, illuminated by bike lights, with blurred motion creating a dynamic effect in a dark environment.
Community
Leadville Mountain Bike Racing - In Winter!?
Feb 11, 2009
Worn fingerless glove resting on a hand, showing signs of use with dirt and debris on the surface. The background features a wooden deck and grassy area.
Mountain Bike Trails
Desert Mountain Biking
Feb 10, 2009
  2
A custom mountain bike leaning against a stone wall, surrounded by dry leaves and trees in a forested area. The bike features a sleek frame with a mix of colors, large tires, and a front suspension fork, suggesting it is designed for off-road cycling.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
New wheels for the New Year
Feb 9, 2009
  1
Map of Grand Mesa National Forest showcasing the mechanized travel routes on the north side, labeled as Alternative 1. The map features various terrain types with outlined travel routes highlighted in yellow. Additional information is provided in the legend, including symbols for different travel designations and a description of the area's features.
Mountain Bike Trails
Input Needed for MTB Trails on the Colorado Grand Mesa
Feb 6, 2009
  2
A close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring an orange GPS device mounted on it, displaying a map interface. The background shows a dirt trail surrounded by fallen leaves and trees, indicating an outdoor setting suitable for biking or hiking.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 GPS Review: Part II
Feb 6, 2009
  2
A group of people engaged in trail maintenance in a forested area during the fall. Some individuals are using tools to dig or clear debris, while others can be seen walking along the path. The ground is covered in fallen leaves, and the trees in the background are sparse, indicating the season. Shadows cast by the trees add depth to the scene.
Culture
Mountain bikers take the lead on building/maintaining trails
Feb 5, 2009
A person sitting on a mountain bike in a forested area, surrounded by tall trees and pine needles on the ground. The individual is wearing a black cycling jersey and gray shorts, smiling and appearing relaxed. The atmosphere is calm, with overcast skies and a natural setting.
Shorts
Sugoi Viper MTB shorts review
Feb 4, 2009
  1
An orange and black handheld GPS device displaying a topographic map with a trail, current speed of 0.2 mph, and altitude of 640 feet, mounted on a bicycle handlebar.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 GPS Review
Feb 3, 2009
  2
A Clif Bar energy bar package with a design featuring a climber scaling a mountain. The flavor is "Crunchy Peanut Butter," and it highlights that the bar is made with organic oats and soybeans. The package emphasizes nutrition for sustained energy, with the net weight listed as 2.4 oz (68g).
Culture
Clif Bar recall
Feb 3, 2009
  2
A person wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and winter clothing stands next to a fat bike equipped for snow cycling. The individual has a reflective sign on their jacket and is positioned in a snowy landscape with sparse trees in the background. A sign can be seen behind them, indicating a trail or pathway.
Community
Arrowhead 135 Winter Human Powered Race
Feb 2, 2009
Close-up view of a bicycle hub with blue spokes and a metallic finish, showcasing the intricate design and components of the wheel assembly.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Crankbrothers Cobalt Wheelset Review
Jan 30, 2009
  9
Close-up of a bicycle tire with the brand name "Kenda" visible, showcasing a blue rim and a valve stem for inflation. The tire is described as tubeless and features twin pair spokes, suitable for racing. The background is blurred, highlighting the wheel.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Kenda Dred Tread MTB tire review
Jan 29, 2009
  4
A Garmin GPS handheld device with a bright color screen displaying a topographic map. The device has a prominent antenna and a series of buttons on the front for navigation and operation.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Best GPS units for biking, hiking, and driving
Jan 28, 2009
  2
A person sitting on a mountain bike in a forested area, surrounded by tall pine trees. The individual is wearing a black t-shirt and shorts, smiling slightly while resting one hand on the bike. The atmosphere is serene with an overcast sky.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Sugoi Wallaroo wool jersey review
Jan 28, 2009
  1
A person in a helmet riding a small orange bike down a narrow, rugged dirt trail surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is leaning forward, navigating a steep section of the trail.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
FS mountain bike in a backpack
Jan 26, 2009
  5
A group of mountain bikers in bright jerseys and helmets, lined up on a road for a race, surrounded by spectators. The setting includes greenery and a hillside in the background, with a banner visible on the right side of the image.
Community
MTB stage race in India
Jan 22, 2009
  1
A fitness instructor stands in front of three exercise balls of different colors, speaking to the camera in a gym setting. The background features exercise-related items and a door leading to another room. A play button indicates it's a video.
MTB Tips
MTB Training with Bike James
Jan 21, 2009
  1