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
 
Close-up of a bicycle brake lever and handlebar mounted against a brick wall, highlighting the Deore XT branding and intricate details of the component.
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Close-up view of a bicycle's crankset and chain, partially covered in mud, with blurred green foliage in the background.
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A black and white image of a mountain biker navigating a rocky trail with trees in the background. The text overlay reads "FIVE 2 RIDE" with a location pin icon and "ALABAMA" below.
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A red mountain bike with a sleek design, featuring a full suspension system, wide tires, and prominent branding on the wheels. The bike is positioned against a neutral background, showcasing its lightweight frame and intricate components.
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Illustration of a bicycle crankset featuring a close-up view of the chainring, crank arm, and bottom bracket, showcasing the integration of a motor or drive system.
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A mountain biker performs a trick in mid-air during a jump over a dirt ramp, with a forested mountain landscape and a few houses visible in the background.
A dirt path winding through dry grass leads to a tree, with a brown sign in the foreground indicating "No Bicycles" surrounded by a grassy landscape under a clear blue sky. The sign is from the East Bay Regional Park District.
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A blue fat bike is positioned on rocky terrain with rugged desert scenery in the background. The landscape features red rock formations and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
A male mountain biker in a racing outfit rides aggressively on a dirt trail surrounded by trees. He is leaning into a turn, showcasing his skill as he navigates the terrain. The bike features a visible race number 311. The background is a lush green forest, indicating a competitive mountain biking event.
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A wooden boardwalk winding through a wooded area, overlaid with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE" and a location marker icon in orange, along with the word "MISSISSIPPI." The image is predominantly in black and white, highlighting the natural surroundings.
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Two mountain bikers navigating a snowy landscape, with one cyclist descending a rocky section while the other rides slightly behind on a snow-covered trail. Icicles hang from the rocks in the background, and trees with bare branches line the scene, indicating a winter setting.
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A mountain biker riding on a rocky terrain with a clear blue sky and snow-capped mountains in the background. The landscape features reddish-brown rock formations and a hilly terrain, showcasing the natural beauty of the outdoor environment.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire with an intricate tread pattern, showcasing its rugged design. In the background, trees and a natural landscape are visible, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A black and orange mountain biking shoe resting on a rock surface, featuring a sleek design with adjustable Velcro straps and a rugged sole for traction. The background shows a dry, outdoor landscape under a blue sky.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a steep cliffside, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountains in the background. The focus is on the rider in a blue jacket as they maneuver along the rugged terrain.
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A black bicycle helmet positioned on a rock surface, featuring aerodynamic styling and ventilation openings, against a backdrop of dry, desert vegetation and clear blue sky.
A blue fat bike with thick tires rests against a rocky surface. The bike features a camouflage-patterned frame bag and is positioned in an outdoor setting with natural stone formations in the background. Sunlight highlights the bike's details, showcasing its rugged design.
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Scenic view of a winding river bordered by rocky cliffs and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground features a dirt path surrounded by dry vegetation and shrubs, leading to the edge of the landscape.
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A person wearing a helmet takes a selfie while standing on a wooden mountain biking trail that curves through a lush, green forest, with rain visible on their jacket and the trail.
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A blue fat bike with wide tires, a lightweight aluminum frame, and a simple gear system, displayed from the side against a neutral background.
Interior of a room severely damaged by fire, showing blackened walls, debris scattered on the floor, and remnants of insulation hanging from the ceiling. A broken window reveals light from outside. A table and chair are visible amidst the destruction, illustrating the extent of the damage.
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Two mountain bikers riding on a dirt trail through a scenic landscape filled with wildflowers and tall trees, with a lake visible in the background.
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A green mountain bike is positioned on a rocky ledge, with a panoramic view of lush green forests and misty mountains in the background. Soft sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere. The scene captures the essence of outdoor adventure and nature.
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A mountain biker balances on a narrow ledge overlooking a colorful coastal city. Below, terraced vineyards and residential buildings contrast with the blue ocean and sky. The scene captures a sense of adventure and urban exploration.
A scenic view of a mountainous landscape featuring tall evergreen trees in the foreground and rolling hills in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, creating a serene atmosphere.
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A cyclist riding a fat bike through a snowy landscape, with mountain peaks in the background under a clear blue sky. The foreground features sparse vegetation and patches of snow.
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A mountain biker wearing a helmet and protective gear jumps off a rocky ledge, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees in a forested area. Wildflowers are visible on the ground, adding color to the dirt trail.
A mountain biker riding a bike on a dirt trail surrounded by trees and greenery. The cyclist is wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and a dark athletic outfit, navigating a curve on the trail.
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A black mountain bike resting in tall, dry grass under a clear sky, showcasing its rugged tires and sleek frame. The bike features prominent branding and is positioned at an angle, highlighting its suspension system and handlebars.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a sunny day, with clear blue skies and trees in the background. The rider is leaning forward, showcasing the balance and skill required for the challenging terrain.
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A mountain biker riding on a rocky, elevated trail surrounded by shrubs and trees, with a clear blue sky in the background. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing a focused expression as they navigate the terrain.
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Close-up of a mountain bike featuring a silver and black frame with a blue accent. The bike is equipped with a fitted saddlebag and a top tube bag, designed for carrying gear on outdoor rides. In the background, lush green meadows and a mountainous landscape are visible under a partly cloudy sky.
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A cyclist in an orange jacket and blue shorts navigates a rocky trail on a mountain. The scene captures a panoramic view of a valley and distant mountains in the background under an overcast sky.
A mountain bike positioned on rocky terrain, with a backdrop of red rock cliffs and a partly cloudy blue sky. The scene captures the rugged beauty of an outdoor setting, ideal for biking adventures.
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A brightly colored mountain bike with a blue and orange frame is leaning against a wooden post in a rugged outdoor setting. The background features a grassy field and distant rock formations under a partly cloudy sky. The bike has thick tires, showing signs of dirt, suggesting it has been used for off-road riding.
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A mountain biker performing a stunt on a rocky cliff at night, illuminated by lights, showcasing the rugged terrain and the thrilling nature of mountain biking. A play button overlay indicates that the image is part of a video.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a hillside, surrounded by dry grass and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky. The cyclist is wearing a helmet, gloves, and a backpack, focusing on maneuvering the challenging terrain.
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A red mountain bike with wide tires is parked on a rocky, dusty terrain under a partly cloudy sky. The bike features a suspension system and is positioned near some sparse vegetation, with rocky outcrops visible in the background.
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A green sign reading "Helena City Limits" is prominently displayed on the side of a road. A white passenger bus with a trailer drives past, kicking up dust on a sunny day. The surroundings include a mixture of hills and greenery, with rocky outcrops visible in the background.
A mountain biker riding along a rocky trail surrounded by trees, with a scenic view of hills and a bright sun in the background.
A person mountain biking along a rocky trail in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The biker is wearing a helmet and a backpack, navigating over large stones while pedaling.
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A first-person view of a mountain biker navigating a rocky downhill trail in a desert landscape, with rugged terrain and distant mountains visible in the background. The biker's hands grip the handlebars, showcasing gloves and a bike equipped for off-road riding. A play button overlay indicates that this is a video.
A black mountain bike stands on a rocky surface with a backdrop of red cliffs and blue sky. The bike features a sturdy frame, thick tires, and a visible suspension system, surrounded by sparse desert vegetation.
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A bright orange mountain bike positioned on rocky terrain, with a scenic canyon landscape in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The bike features a modern design with thick tires and a high-performance frame, showcasing its readiness for off-road trails.
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A black mountain bike parked on a grassy hillside, with a scenic backdrop of colorful autumn trees and mountain ranges under a clear blue sky. A ski lift is visible in the distance, indicating a mountainous outdoor location.
Close-up image of a hand adjusting the quick release lever on a bicycle wheel assembly. Labels identify components such as the quick release lever (A), disc brake rotor (B), fork leg (C), and brake caliper (D). A warning message highlights the need to replace the skewer if the quick release lever opens too far, as it may catch on the brake rotor and cause the front wheel to lock up suddenly.
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A close-up image of a cycling computer displaying various metrics, including speed (0 MPH), vertical feet per minute (84), elevation (2242 feet), and temperature (86°F). The device has a sleek design and is mounted on a bicycle handlebar. In the background, there are additional screens showing cycling statistics.
A red mountain bike displayed on a wooden stand, featuring advanced suspension components, a gold fork, and large tires. The background shows a dark wall with the word "PATROL" prominently featured.