Greg began mountain biking in 2005, and since then, the pursuit of singletrack has taken him around the world. While Greg first started adding trail reviews to Singletracks in 2008, his career in mountain bike media officially began in 2010. He started writing for Singletracks in 2011 while simultaneously finishing his formal secondary education in writing and publication. Greg has the distinction of being the first employee that Singletracks ever hired, and he went on to serve for seven years, including five years in the Editor in Chief role. After a six-year hiatus, Greg is back at Singletracks, serving in the Managing Editor role.
While Greg has reviewed innumerable mountain bikes and products over the years, his true passion lies in writing about mountain bike trails and destinations. Greg has ridden over 8,000 trails and visited 21 countries (and counting). He recently spent four years traveling full-time, including two spent living in a camper van with his wife, Christine. In between epic trips, he now resides in Durango, Colorado.
Author snapshot
MTB Background and expertise
- Riding experience: Primarily trail and enduro, with experience including endurance XC, bikepacking, downhill, and gravel riding.
- Mountain biking since: 2005
- Number of trails ridden: 8,000+
- Number of countries visited: 21+
- Current stable: Pivot Switchblade V3, Pivot Vault, Scott Big Jon
Education and writing experience
- Bachelors of Arts, English: Writing and Publication, University of North Georgia
- Other publications: Strava, FATMAP, Dirt Rag Magazine, MTB Project, Hiking Project, GearJunkie, Outside 365
Local mountain bikers question viral barbed wire booby trap story after rider creates $8,000 GoFundMe to replace 2008 bike worth around $1,000.
A mountain biker's neck was sliced open by barbed wire strung across a trail in Alberta, in what appears to be an intentional booby trap.
The Chuckbucket is a handlebar snack bag that's designed to accommodate up to a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle or a 40-ounce Klean Kanteen.
The Gearjammer is Oveja Negra's take on the classic seat bag--a must-have for any and every bikepacker.
Santa Cruz launches the 29er-only Hightower LT with 150mm travel, skipping plus tire compatibility for pure EWS-inspired speed and performance.
Mountain biking isn't an escape from real life—it IS real life, while cubicles, screens, and endless bills are the fantasy we've been sold.
A review of the Topeak Ninja C bicycle multi-tool.
A review of the Topeak Mini 10 bicycle multi-tool.
After twisting and turning through the maze of options in the greater Slaughter Pen complex, Back 40, in contrast, promised a lengthy 30-mile loop with minimal navigation required.
We knew going into it that the Upper Buffalo Headwaters Trail System was in the middle of nowhere--close to two hours of driving from our base for the weekend in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Northwest Arkansas has exploded onto the mountain bike scene with over 210 miles of professionally-built trails, funded by $13 million from the Walton Foundation.
Eddie O'Dea is racing the Tour Divide to raise over $17,000 for Georgia high school mountain bike scholarships, one grueling mile at a time.
Pivot's new LES 27.5 hardtail brings World Cup-winning carbon frame technology to smaller wheels, with nimble handling and sizes fitting riders down to 4'10".
The 2018 Pivot Mach 4 Carbon gets a stiffer rear end, Boost spacing, and your choice of trail or XC race configurations.
Fear keeps us safe on the trail, but don't let it manipulate you into living a boring life both on and off the bike.
The Niner RIP 9 2-Star SLX delivers enduro-level descending performance and bombproof components at just $3,500, proving high-end capability doesn't require a premium price tag.
Scott's revamped Genius features 150mm travel, a flip chip allowing riders to swap between 27.5", 27.5+, and 29" wheels in the same frame.
Mongoose aims to make downhill racing more accessible with the 2018 Boot'r, a full-on DH bike priced at just $2,499.
The Mongoose Tyax Supa Trail Expert offers surprising capability for $999, featuring 27.5+ wheels, 1x11 Shimano SLX drivetrain, and modernized geometry.
Mongoose revamps the Teocalli with 160mm travel, modern geometry, and bombproof component specs starting at just $1,599 for model year 2018.
Greg Heil uses animated Strava heatmaps to explore how his riding patterns changed year-to-year, revealing surprising gaps in trails he thought he rode regularly.
A review of the Topeak Joeblow Booster bicycle tire pump.
Can you boil water in a plastic-sided pot?!
Getting intentionally lost on your mountain bike can lead to epic adventures, stunning views, and that alive feeling we all crave.
The Ibis Mojo HD4 features slacker geometry, a stiffer carbon frame, updated dw-link suspension, and room for longer dropper posts on this enduro ripper.
This hardtail mountain bike buyer's guide is designed to help you get the best value for your money and includes our choices for the best hardtail mountain bikes under $500, $1000, $2000 budgets.
Trek's new Session 9.9 DH bike goes long, low, and slack with an optional 29er model designed for World Cup racing.
After testing six pairs of failed "enduro" shoes, the author finds durability and performance in the Northwave Outcross Plus with Michelin rubber soles.
Greg Heil explores how focusing on the present moment—rather than past regrets or future worries—can lighten life's burdens, including brutal hike-a-bikes.
Pivot's new Mach 5.5 Carbon features 140mm rear travel, 160mm up front, and clearance for 2.6" tires on 27.5" wheels.
Kali's redesigned Shiva 2.0 full-face helmet features LDL and Nano Fusion impact tech in a DOT-certified package weighing just 1050g in carbon.
If you're currently hauling a bulky or heavy mat in your bikepacking kit, the Sea to Summit UltraLight mat could take your kit to the next level.
I was absolutely shocked by how lightweight and compact this sleeping bag is!
Greg Heil explores how we often neglect real-world "magic" like wisdom and fitness, just as fantasy students avoid studying their mystical powers.
With radical changes taking place within IMBA, many people are wondering: where does IMBA go from here?
Terrene's new McFly plus tire offers faster rolling speed than the Chunk in 27.5 and 29-inch, 2.8-inch widths this July.
G-Form's Pro-X knee pads offer excellent impact protection with flexible, low-profile design, though they're still noticeable when pedaling on long climbs.
We review the G-Form Pro-X elbow pads for mountain biking.
Greg Heil tests whether a $7,000 Specialized Turbo S ebike can replace his car for a 32-mile commute with 1,400 feet of climbing.
Major IMBA chapters are leaving the program over money splits and perceived lack of benefits, with calls for significant organizational changes.
Discover the 5 best mountain bike trails in Colorado.
The Rocky Mountain Slayer 790 MSL is an aggressive enduro destroyer with adjustable geometry, plush suspension, and confidence-inspiring descending capabilities.
Strava announces new content types beyond activity uploads, transforming the platform into an athletic blogging network with full rollout coming this summer.
North Carolina lawmakers propose domestic terrorism bill after trail runner impalement, making concealed trail spikes a felony offense.
Mavic's $180 Crossmax XL Pro shoes offer secure fit and solid pedaling performance, but durability issues persist for riders who hike-a-bike frequently.
SRAM updates their Code brakes with Guide technology, bigger pistons, and 15% more power for aggressive riders and e-bikes.
Santa Cruz developed a carbon 29er version of their World Cup-winning V10 downhill bike in just months, debuting at Lourdes this weekend.
Three mountain bikers in Australia were attacked with a pole and dog, then chased by a man wielding a running chainsaw.
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