Greg Heil

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
 
Alt text: A modern mountain bike featuring a sleek gray frame, wide tires, and a sturdy front suspension fork, positioned against a white background.
A mountain biker in a blue shirt and helmet performs a jump over a trail in a dense forest, surrounded by trees and foliage. The biker shows an athletic stance with one wheel elevated off the ground while navigating the rugged terrain.
A black adjustable dropper seat post for a bicycle, accompanied by a black cylindrical tube and a blue hacksaw. The seat post is partially disassembled, showcasing its inner components.
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A mountain biker in a yellow shirt and helmet navigates a rugged, sandy trail, leaning into a turn as they ride downhill through a rocky landscape. The scene features dry terrain with sparse vegetation and a focus on the rider's dynamic movement.
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A group of young mountain bikers lined up at the start of a race under a large "START" banner, with spectators cheering from the sidelines. The scene captures a dirt path surrounded by colorful autumn foliage, with some participants wearing colorful jerseys and helmets, ready to begin their race.
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Everything You Need to Know About Mountain Biking and Visiting Pisgah National Forest
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Alt text: A collection of bicycle components featuring Shimano Deore products, including a crankset, derailleur, cassette, disc brake, and shifters, arranged on a sleek background.
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Close-up of a bicycle fork displaying "RockShox" branding, with a focus on the black frame and disc brake. Soft lighting creates a dynamic effect, highlighting the details of the component.
A mountain biker in a yellow shirt and helmet rides on rocky terrain, leaning forward as he navigates the trail. He is equipped with a backpack and gloves, and the landscape features distant hills and sparse vegetation under a cloudy sky.
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A black mountain bike parked on rocky terrain, with a rugged desert landscape in the background featuring distant cliffs and sparse vegetation. The bike is positioned on a dirt surface, showcasing its features and contrasting against the natural scenery.
A close-up view of the front wheel and suspension fork of a mountain bike, positioned on rocky terrain with a rugged landscape in the background. The bike features a green frame with orange lettering, and a black suspension fork equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. Surrounding the bike, there are various shrubs and rock formations under a partly cloudy sky.
A bright pink mountain bike with a sleek frame and rugged tires, showcased against a textured dark gray background. The bike features a dropper seat post, high-performance suspension forks, and a modern gear system, emphasizing its design for off-road riding.
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A black mountain bike with thick tires is parked on a rocky, reddish-brown trail. Surrounding the bike are green bushes, some of which have patches of snow on them, indicating a cold climate. The bike features a prominent suspension fork and a rear shock, designed for off-road riding.
A close-up image of a person's hand gripping the handlebars of a mountain bike, adjusting the brake lever. The focus is on the hand and lever mechanism, with a blurred background.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike front fork showing the "MRP" brand logo above a textured tire tread on a dirt trail background. The image highlights the bike's components in a rugged outdoor setting.
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A man with a beard stands outdoors, wearing a black bike helmet and a bright orange jacket. He has his arms crossed and looks off into the distance, surrounded by a natural landscape of brown hills and sparse trees.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over rocky terrain in a wooded area, surrounded by trees and foliage. The rider is wearing a colorful helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action-packed moment of off-road cycling.
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A person riding an electric mountain bike on a dirt trail in a forested area, surrounded by leaf-covered ground and trees. The rider is positioned with one foot on the ground and the other on the pedal, navigating a curved section of the trail.
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Image showing a close-up of a man's neck and upper back with visible red marks on the skin, indicating possible irritation or injury. The man is shirtless, and the background shows a comfortable indoor setting with soft furnishings.
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A mountain biker riding along a winding dirt trail in a mountainous region, surrounded by lush green trees and a cloudy blue sky. The terrain is open, with patches of grass and rocky areas visible. The biker is dressed in a yellow jacket and shorts, wearing a helmet and a backpack.
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A person skiing on a snowy slope, wearing a colorful party hat and goggles, with ski poles in hand. Snow is kicking up around them as they navigate the slope, surrounded by evergreen trees against a bright blue sky.
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A mountain biker navigates rocky terrain on a high-altitude trail with mountains in the background. The landscape features a mix of grassy patches and boulders under a partly cloudy sky.
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A mountain biker in a blue long-sleeve shirt and red shorts leans into a turn on a rocky trail, kicking up dust as he navigates through the rough terrain. Sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting the movement and energy of the ride.
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Two individuals are riding mountain bikes on a narrow trail through a lush green forest. The foreground features a young girl in a helmet and casual attire, smiling as she rides a red bicycle. In the background, an adult woman wearing a helmet and sporty outfit follows closely on her own bike. The scene is surrounded by tall trees and vibrant foliage, highlighting an outdoor biking adventure.
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Four fat bikes displayed with different designs and colors, including a white bike with red accents, an orange bike, a silver bike, and a black bike with blue accents. The image features a title that reads "Budget FAT BIKE Buyer’s Guide."
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A close-up of a mountain bike fork, featuring a black frame with white branding and orange accents. The fork is displayed alongside a removable suspension cartridge, showcasing its design and components against a dark background.
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A person riding a fat tire bicycle through a snowy trail, surrounded by tall evergreen trees. The cyclist is wearing a green helmet and dark clothing. Snow is kicked up around the bike as it maneuvers through the winter landscape.
A pair of black, weather-resistant pants lying in the snow, showcasing a zippered leg opening and a logo on the side. The snowy landscape includes sparse grass and is illuminated by bright sunlight.
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A pair of black gloves designed for winter use resting on a snowy surface, featuring the brand name "GORE" and "GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER" prominently displayed on the fabric.
A vibrant green bicycle helmet resting on a wooden stump, with a blurred natural background of trees and shrubs. The helmet features ventilation openings and branding on the side.
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Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail on a sunny day, surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains and a lake in the distance. The sky is clear blue, and snow-capped peaks are visible in the background. One rider is in the foreground, focused on maneuvering their bike, while the other follows closely behind.
Two mountain bikers, covered in mud and visibly exerting themselves, race uphill in a challenging environment. One rider, wearing number 17, leans over their handlebars, while the other, marked with number 11, shows intense concentration. They are dressed in rain jackets and helmets, with a cloudy, overcast sky in the background, highlighting the difficult conditions of the race.
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A person wearing a glove holds a block of dirt with a rusty screw protruding from the top. The background shows a natural setting with green foliage and a dirt path.
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A crowded exhibition hall at the Interbike event, featuring a prominent display with large gear motifs and a mountain biker image. Attendees are gathered near the entrance, showcasing the energy and excitement of the cycling industry gathering.
A mountain biker in a pink shirt and blue shorts navigates a dusty, sloped terrain, kicking up a cloud of dust as they lean into a turn among rocky formations. The scene is illuminated by bright sunlight, highlighting the dynamic movement and rugged landscape.
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A beige mountain bike with wide tires and a suspension fork, parked on dry grass. The bike features black components, including handlebars and pedals, and has a chain running between the gears.
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Two mountain bikers riding along a winding trail through a rocky, grassy landscape, with a calm body of water and rolling hills in the background under an overcast sky.
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Close-up of a muddy bike tire and frame, displaying dirt and debris with pine needles stuck in the grime. The background features a blurred natural landscape, indicating an outdoor environment.
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A cyclist in a bright green and black racing jersey and helmet speeds along a trail, focused and determined. He is wearing sunglasses and gripping the handlebars of a mountain bike, navigating through a natural, tree-lined environment. The image captures the intensity and energy of outdoor biking.
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A dirt trail winding through a hilly landscape, with tire tracks visible in the middle. The ground is a mix of dry dirt and sparse grass, with patches of snow scattered on the side. Trees are visible in the background along the hills, indicating a natural setting.
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Two mountain bikers riding along a narrow dirt path through a lush green landscape during sunset. The sky is filled with vibrant orange and yellow hues, and mountains are visible in the background. A calm stream reflects the evening light.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail, leaning forward as he balances on his bike, with one hand reaching towards the ground for support. The scene is set in a clear blue sky with rugged rocks and sparse vegetation in the background.
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A panoramic view of a university campus surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, with majestic mountains in the background. The scene captures a mix of greenery and colorful trees, along with various buildings of the campus, highlighting both natural beauty and academic environment. Snow-capped peaks are visible on the horizon under a partly cloudy sky.
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A close-up image of a multi-tool featuring several Allen wrenches stacked together, along with a small flat-head screwdriver. The tool is attached to a black background, and the text "OUT THERE SINCE 1975" is visible on the side of the tool.
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A mountain biker in a blue and green jersey navigates a curved wooden pathway through a lush forest filled with ferns and trees. The rider leans into the turn, showcasing speed and agility on the trail.
A mountain biker rides through a colorful inflatable archway marked with the Red Bull logo. To the left, a musician plays an electric guitar, while on the right, a person dressed in a colorful outfit and a wig waves a flag and cheers enthusiastically. The scene is set in a forested area, capturing the excitement of a cycling event.
A mountain biker expertly navigating a sandy trail, leaning into a turn with intense focus. The rider is wearing protective gear, including a helmet and gloves, and appears to be racing through a wooded area with vibrant green foliage surrounding the path. The bike features a sturdy frame and thick tires, highlighting the rugged terrain.
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A mountain biker rides down a rocky trail in a steep valley surrounded by rugged mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Lush green vegetation contrasts with the rocky landscape, while a winding path can be seen leading further into the distance.