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
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 was one of the first companies to really push soft body armor as a viable alternative to the classic, storm trooper-style hard plastic protection. And now, years later, almost every…
We review the G-Form Pro-X elbow pads for mountain biking.
Editor’s Note: “Over a Beer” is a regular column written by Greg Heil. While Greg is the Editor in Chief for Singletracks.com, any opinions expressed in this column are his alone and…
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.
Mountain biking teaches us to embrace being out of control, preparing us mentally for life's unexpected challenges better than those who demand constant control.
A dangerous nail-studded rope was found strung across a Grand Forks trail at neck height, prompting police investigation and safety warnings.
The smooth curves and glossy paint of the Kuat NV 2.0 are both subtle and complementary when paired with a vehicle.
Bontrager launches new Line and Kovee mountain bike wheels with Rapid Drive hubs, promising lightweight carbon and alloy options at accessible prices.
Ibis launches the third generation Ripley 29er with 130mm travel, now clearing up to 2.6" tires and featuring a stiffer swingarm connection.
Transition launches two aggressive carbon hardtails: the 27.5" Throttle and 29" Vanquish, both built for descending with slack geometry and 3lb frames.
9point8's new Fall Line R dropper post claims to be the lightest available at 386g and features a cuttable design for weight savings.
Photo: Aaron Chamberlain Editor’s Note: “Over a Beer” is a regular column written by Greg Heil. While Greg is the Editor in Chief for Singletracks.com, any opinions…
Pivot Cycles sponsors Utah and Arizona NICA leagues, providing bikes and creating "No Parents Allowed" Chill Zones for young racers at events.
Everything mountain bikers need to know about visiting and riding in Pisgah National Forest.
Shimano's updated Deore M6000 drivetrain now offers 10-speed with an 11-42T cassette option, making budget-friendly 1x conversions more feasible than ever.
RockShox updates five popular fork models with the new Charger 2 damper, DebonAir spring technology, Boost spacing, and lighter weight across the lineup.
Getting paid to ride mountain bikes in Moab. Photo: Aaron Chamberlain Editor’s Note: “Over a Beer” is a regular column written by Greg Heil. While Greg is…
The Banshee Rune impressed with confident climbing and gnar-crushing capability, proving this under-the-radar aluminum enduro rig deserves more attention than it gets.
Suspension options for our mountain bikes are ever-expanding, and while Cane Creek's initial offering and the latest from MRP might get most of the buzz, one brand that needs to be…
Photo: Spot While cruising the Outerbike venue I spotted a seductive-looking carbon frame with smooth lines, an understated but attractive paint scheme, and snappy-looking geometry from…
After a fantastic day of shredding aboard YT's Jeffsy trail bike, I knew I needed to sample the longer-travel Capra enduro bike for myself. An Outerbike shuttle to the top of Mag…
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