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
 
Black mountain bike tire showcasing a rugged tread pattern. The tire is labeled "CAKE EATER" and is angled to display its profile and tread design. The background is white, highlighting the tire's details and textures.
A bright blue mountain bike is parked on a lush, green field with wildflowers, surrounded by a backdrop of mountains under a cloudy sky. The bike features thick tires and a sleek frame, showcasing its design for off-road riding.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike fork showcasing the MRP brand logo, with glossy black stanchions and a distinctive linkage design for performance and stability.
A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and mountains under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain bike parked on a rocky trail with a scenic backdrop of mountains and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
A blue mountain bike from Transition, featuring a sturdy frame and knobby tires, is positioned in a lush forest setting with green foliage and moss-covered ground.
A turquoise mountain bike with a black and gold fork stands on a dirt trail near a forest. In the background, lush green hills and mountains are visible under a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.
A panoramic view of a winding river flowing through a dense forest, surrounded by majestic mountains under a clear blue sky. The river exhibits a teal hue, contrasting with the deep greens of the trees. Steep cliffs are visible on the riverbank, showcasing a mix of rocky and sandy textures.
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Alt text: A top-down view of a mountain bike handlebar, featuring textured grips and gear shift levers, with grass and rocky ground visible in the background.
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A first-person perspective of a mountain biking trail, showing the handlebars of a bike and a rider navigating a dirt path through a forested area. The scene features trees and rocky terrain under a clear blue sky, capturing the thrill of outdoor cycling.
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Most Innovative Mountain Bike Products of 2017
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Two men are working on a land clearing project. One man, standing with his back to the camera, holds a shovel and looks over the dirt area, while the other man is crouched down, using a shovel to dig. The scene is set outdoors on a sunny day, with blue skies and some clouds, and greenery in the background.
Alt text: A modern mountain bike featuring a black frame with blue accents, front suspension, and rugged tires, displayed against a clean, white background.
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A paramedic vehicle from the Telluride Fire District and a Sheriff’s vehicle from San Miguel are parked in a grassy, wooded area. A uniformed officer is standing near the sheriff's vehicle, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background, indicating a remote location.
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Best Black Diamond Mountain Bike Trail
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A mountain bike resting on green grass with a background of trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail with a scenic view of a lake surrounded by mountains and lush forests in the background. The biker is wearing a helmet and is focused on the path ahead.
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Shimano XT Best Mountain Bike Brake
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Black shorts laid out on a rocky surface with dry vegetation in the background. The shorts feature multiple pockets and a sleek design.
A person wearing a helmet and a red jacket sits on a rock ledge, overlooking a vast landscape of rugged terrain and distant mountains under a cloudy sky. The individual appears contemplative, with a backpack beside them, suggesting a break during an outdoor adventure.
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A close-up image of a man with a shaved head and prominent facial tattoos, standing against a blue background. He has a neutral expression and is wearing a gray shirt.
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A mountain biker in action, jumping over a log in a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and sunlight filtering through the foliage. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing a dynamic pose as they navigate the rugged terrain.
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A close-up image of a person's neck showing a noticeable red mark, resembling a line or indentation, around the area just above the collarbone. The skin appears slightly irritated, and the background is softly blurred.
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Two mugshot-style portraits of a man with a shaved head and tattoos on his neck and shoulders. The images are side by side, showing him from the shoulders up. The left image features him in a white shirt, while the right shows him in a black shirt. Both images have neutral expressions and a blurred gray background.
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A close-up of a cyclist wearing a black helmet and reflective sunglasses, standing against a backdrop of mountainous scenery with lush green hills and snow-capped peaks. The cyclist has a beard and is looking off into the distance, enjoying the outdoor landscape.
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A brightly lit bicycle shop featuring a row of colorful mountain bikes, including several green bikes. The shop has a variety of biking accessories and gear displayed on the walls and shelves, with a wooden counter where a staff member assists a customer on the phone. Various bike parts and nutritional products are arranged neatly on the counter, creating an inviting atmosphere for cycling enthusiasts.
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A black SUV parked on the side of a road with a scenic mountain view in the background. Two bicycles are mounted on a bike rack attached to the back of the vehicle. The sky is partly cloudy, and lush greenery is visible in the foreground.
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A close-up view of a bicycle's frame featuring a black top tube bag secured with straps. The background shows a green landscape with trees and a clear blue sky, suggesting an outdoor setting for cycling.
A scenic view of rugged mountain peaks under a partly cloudy sky, with grassy slopes in the foreground and patches of snow on the mountains, showcasing the natural beauty of a mountainous landscape with two hikers visible in the distance.
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A close-up image of a man's face lying on a couch, with soft lighting and a relaxed expression. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing his features.
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Close-up of a section of barbed wire with a blurred background, highlighting the sharp barbs and twisted strands of wire. The image captures the texture and details of the barbed wire against a soft, out-of-focus backdrop.
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A close-up view of a bicycle handlebar setup, featuring a black water bottle holder attached to the frame, with a water bottle partially visible. The handlebar also displays a green pack and various cycling accessories, set against a background of autumn foliage with vibrant yellow leaves.
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Close-up of a bike saddle and a bicycle seat bag, set against a backdrop of yellow autumn foliage and a blue sky. The bag is secured to the seat post with straps and is primarily black and gray in color. A portion of the bike's tire is visible in the foreground.
A bright yellow mountain bike stands upright against a textured gray backdrop. The bike features a sleek frame, high-performance wheels with Maxxis tires, and a prominent suspension system. The setting is minimalistic, focusing on the bike’s design and craftsmanship.
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A view from the handlebars of a mountain bike, overlooking a scenic trail lined with greenery and trees in a forested area. The sun is setting in the background, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
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A close-up image of a hand holding a tool labeled "Ninja C" by Topeak. The tool has a sleek design with a black rubber grip and a silver metallic end. In the background, there is a blurred view of mountains and greenery under a clear blue sky.
A compact multi-tool with multiple metallic Allen wrench heads, positioned on a textured dirt surface. The tool features a central black handle with "MINI" and "10" printed on it, surrounded by the unfolded tool components.
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A mountain biker navigating a narrow, rocky trail surrounded by bare trees and a sunny blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet and sunglasses, dressed in a black shirt and turquoise shorts, as they pedal along the rugged path.
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A mountain biker navigating a narrow trail between large rocks in a wooded area, with fallen leaves covering the ground. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and riding gear, focused on maintaining balance as he maneuvers through the terrain.
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A mountain biker navigates a rocky, curved trail in a wooded area, showcasing an action-packed descent. Trees and a grassy landscape are visible in the background, with a road and stream visible further away. The rider wears a colorful jersey and a helmet for safety.
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A cyclist wearing a bright yellow and purple jersey with the brand name "Chamois Butt'r" is riding on a dirt path. He has a helmet and a headlamp attached to his helmet, and is smiling while focused on the ride. The background features a scenic landscape with green trees and a blue sky dotted with clouds.
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A mountain biker performing a jump on a rocky trail during sunset, with a picturesque view of rolling hills and a cloudy sky in the background. The cyclist is wearing a black jersey with colorful accents and is riding a red bike.
A mountain biker in a red and blue shirt navigates a dirt trail surrounded by green foliage and tall, white-barked trees. The biker leans into a turn, creating a cloud of dust behind the rear wheel as sunlight filters through the forest.
A mountain biker competes in a daring jump off a rocky cliff, showcasing precision and skill against a backdrop of rugged terrain and striking red rock formations under a clear sky.
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A black mountain bike resting on a rock in a grassy area, surrounded by trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
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A vibrant orange and black mountain bike is showcased against a backdrop of mountains and cloudy skies. The bike features prominent suspension elements and Maxxis tires, positioned on a rocky surface surrounded by grass.
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A bright red mountain bike with heavy-duty tires and a suspension system, standing on green grass. The bike features a sleek frame design and is equipped with high-performance components, making it ideal for off-road riding.
A group of four mountain bikers navigating a wooden trail in a lush green forest. The first rider, wearing a black shirt and a helmet, is leaning into a curve, while the others follow on parallel paths. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
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