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
 
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A mountain bike rests against a rocky, textured wall in a natural outdoor setting, surrounded by dirt and fallen leaves. The bike features a black and white frame with a prominent orange handlebar light and a water bottle attached to its side.
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A close-up image of a Clausthaler Dry Hopped IPA non-alcoholic beer bottle sitting on a white surface, with a blurred outdoor background featuring greenery and soft natural light. The bottle showcases its label prominently, highlighting it as a non-alcoholic beverage with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.
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Two blue axle components from The Robert Axle Project, displayed on a textured stone surface. One axle is marked with dimensions, while both have branding and the indication that they are made in the USA.
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Orange bicycle pedals with the brand name "ROCKBROS" displayed on them, sitting on a textured stone surface. The pedals feature a rugged design with multiple grip screws and a metallic threaded section for attachment.
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Rocky pathway winding through a lush, green forest, with tall trees and fallen leaves scattered on the ground. The path is bordered by a collection of large stones, highlighting a natural hiking trail.
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Close-up of a black bicycle saddle mounted on a seat post, with the brand name "SDG" visible. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.
Close-up of a bicycle's frame featuring a light blue color and a visible logo that reads "YT XL." The image shows details of the bike's bottom bracket area, including dirt and debris, with parts of the chain and gear also partially visible. The background is blurred, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A person wearing a gray bicycle helmet with reflective sunglasses sits near a serene lake surrounded by greenery. The focus is on the back of their head, highlighting the helmet's design and the tranquil landscape behind them.
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An off-road mountain bike with a sleek gray frame, equipped with two thick, knobby tires and a rear suspension system. The bike features a raised seat, handlebars with grips, and a black fork, highlighting its design for durability and performance in rugged terrains.
A scenic landscape featuring rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, with distant mountains partially covered by clouds. The sun is shining through the clouds, casting rays of light across the scene, highlighting the rugged natural beauty of the area.
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A pair of orange bike grips resting on a wooden stump in a natural outdoor setting. The taller grip stands upright, while the shorter one lies horizontally, both showcasing their textured surfaces. Green grass and a blurred background suggest a lush, forested environment.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a mountainous landscape, leaning into a turn with a blue sky and fluffy clouds in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and athletic clothing, showcasing an active outdoor lifestyle.
A person is standing outdoors, wearing a gray plaid button-up shirt over a red henley shirt. They are holding sunglasses in one hand, adjusting the button on their shirt. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting a natural setting.
Close-up of a white bicycle frame, showing two black screws attached to the tube and a red water bottle cap nearby. The background features blurred greenery and natural ground.
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A mountain biker navigating a rugged trail through a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and lush green ferns. The rider is airborne, showcasing skill and control as they maneuver over a rough patch of terrain.
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A close-up view of a black gear with multiple teeth, surrounded by smaller components including a ring and a washer, all resting on a textured concrete surface. The gear features a central bearing assembly, and the composition highlights the mechanical parts against a neutral background.
Close-up of a hand gripping a black device mounted on a bicycle handlebar, featuring a button and adjustable dial. The background is a natural setting with green foliage and dirt.
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A close-up image of a smartphone mounted on a bike handlebar, showcasing a unique attachment mechanism against a backdrop of trees and greenery. The phone features a green case and is positioned at an angle to highlight its camera and mounting system.
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A cyclist expertly navigates a winding mountain bike trail through a lush forest, showcasing a vibrant pink bike. The rider is focused, wearing a helmet and casual sports attire, as they maneuver around natural obstacles like fallen trees and rocky terrain, surrounded by greenery and dappled sunlight.
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A crowd of excited spectators gathered outdoors, many holding up their phones and cameras to capture the moment. Some individuals are holding a blue and white flag, while others are cheering and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The backdrop features trees and a blue sky, creating a vibrant setting for the event.
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A rocky trail leading through a lush, green forest, flanked by moss-covered stone walls and a variety of trees. The pathway is uneven and lined with large, jagged rocks, creating a natural, rugged landscape in a misty atmosphere.
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A sign indicating an "Alternate Line" on a forest trail, with an arrow pointing to the right. The background features green trees and foliage, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.
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A close-up of a wrist wearing a smartwatch, displaying activity data including floors climbed and total elevation. The background is a blurred green foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting. The watch features a dark face with colorful metrics visible, and a striped fabric band.
Close-up view of a yellow mountain bike's drivetrain, featuring a SRAM XX1 crankset with a silver chainring, chain, and pedal. The bike frame shows detail in its design and construction, with a blurred green background suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A small white drone flying over a lush green path surrounded by trees, capturing aerial views of the landscape.
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A close-up view of a silver mechanical part, possibly a bicycle derailleur or a similar component, set against a black metal grid surface. The part features intricate designs, showcasing gears and levers, with bolts and a sleek metallic finish.
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Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub with spokes radiating outward, set against a blurred natural background. The hub features a black and silver design, showcasing the details of the connection points where the spokes meet.
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Crowd gathered at a biking event in the Tweed Valley, with mountains in the background. A large screen displays event information, and tents are set up nearby. The atmosphere is lively, with spectators enjoying the scenic outdoors.
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Entrance fee station sign located in a wooded area, displaying text in English and Spanish. The sign lists various entrance fees and payment methods for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Nearby structures include fee deposit boxes and informational boards, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
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