Jeff Barber

Jeff co-founded Singletracks with his wife Leah in 1998 and has been dedicated to sharing the mountain bike information that inspires others to take epic adventures ever since. He started mountain biking in high school and served in the US Air Force before devoting himself full time to Singletracks in 2007.

Though formally educated as an engineer, Jeff began writing stories at an early stage, inspired by his mother who is a longtime accomplished author. He enjoys covering the world of mountain biking from every possible angle, whether it's trails or gear or skills. His goal for every story: that readers learn at least one new thing.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Trail, XC, and bikepacking.
  • Mountain biking since: 1992
  • Number of products reviewed: ?. I think my first product review for the site was this one for a plastic wallet.
  • Current stable: Canyon Neuron, Orange P7 hardtail, and Scott Fun XC

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Duke University
  • Masters of Business Administration, Duke University
  • Other publications: Panther Press (Lakeside High School - Augusta, GA), CitySearch.com
 
A hand holding a blue triangular scale ruler in front of a black bicycle frame against a wooden fence background.
A gray house with maroon shutters and a wooden porch, featuring a set of stairs leading up to the front door. In front of the house, there is a yellow refrigerator positioned beside the stairs, and two motorcycles are parked on the porch. The ground is covered with a light layer of snow, and there are trees in the foreground.
  2
A collage of fitness and wellness products on an orange gradient background. Items include a hand grip strengthener, a water bottle, a balance board, a yoga mat, resistance bands in various weights, two smartwatches displaying fitness metrics, and a massage gun with multiple attachments. Additionally, a person cycling on an exercise bike is featured, demonstrating an active lifestyle.
A mountain biker jumps over a small section of a dirt path in a lush green forest. The cyclist, wearing a helmet and a red t-shirt, shows an expression of excitement as he rides an orange mountain bike. Surrounding trees and foliage create a vibrant and natural backdrop.
  10
A rolled-up orange flexible strip with a small connector, resting on a white surface with parallel lines. The strip is secured with a band, and it appears to be made of a glossy material.
  8
A can of Rescue Club Non-Alcoholic IPA is positioned on a gravel surface, with a bicycle tire partially visible in the background. The can features a blue and silver design, prominently displaying the brand name and product type.
  14
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail surrounded by barren trees and a clear blue sky. The rider is focused and wearing a helmet, showcasing the challenge of off-road biking in a mountainous environment.
  1
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire featuring the name "ARDENT" in bold green text, mounted on a silver rim. The tire size is marked as 26 x 2.40, with a recommended pressure range of 35-65 PSI. The background includes a textured wall.
  79
A collection of outdoor sports gear featuring a red mountain bike frame, a set of gray riding pants, a yellow jacket, a camouflage neck gaiter, black gloves, a bike light, a JBL portable speaker, cycling shoes, and bike components including a brake lever and caliper, all arranged against a colorful hexagonal background.
  1
A canister of Fix-a-Flat tire repair product is positioned on a wooden surface, with a bicycle wheel partially visible in the background. The can features a bright yellow design with text highlighting its use for sedans and coupes, and directions for easy inflation and sealing. Potted plants are also seen in the background, adding to the outdoor setting.
  7
Two mountain bikers riding along a dirt trail in a wooded area during early spring. The trees are bare, and fallen leaves are scattered along the path. The bikers, wearing helmets and casual athletic clothing, appear to be enjoying their ride on a cool, overcast day.
  55
A mountain biker performing a jump over a dirt ramp in a forested area with autumn foliage.
  8
A group of four mountain bikers sitting on a rocky surface among lush greenery. They are taking a break, chatting, and adjusting their gear. Two bikes are visible in the background. The scene captures a sunny day with colorful foliage around them.
  22
A collage featuring various mountain biking products, including two prominent mountain bikes in pink and black, a gray bike, a set of bike forks, multiple dropper posts, a cycling helmet, a pair of sneakers, and a bike accessory. The background is a light blue with a hexagonal pattern, and the text "TOP MTB SELLERS" appears prominently.
  1
A close-up view of a black tool organizer laid on a stone surface, featuring various bike chain links and small metallic parts scattered on top. A silver multi-tool and a purple flashlight are also visible within the organizer, showcasing a practical arrangement for outdoor maintenance or repairs.
Technical drawing of a mechanical component, featuring a central circular section with two outward extensions, labeled with various measurements and designations, on a black background. The illustration includes numbered annotations and directional arrows indicating movement.
  4
A cyclist navigates a rocky trail at a high elevation, with mountains and a blue sky dotted with clouds in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and carrying a backpack, focusing intently on the path ahead.
  1
Alt text: "A colorful collage showcasing last-minute mountain biking gifts, including a CORE fitness tracker, Yeti tumbler, North Face cap, bike repair tool, Evoc bag, cycling socks, and a hoodie, all set against a vibrant pink background."
A tree in a lush, green forest contains a sign attached to its trunk. The sign features several messages, including "Tread Lightly," "DO NOT SHARE/POST," "Respect the woods," and "Keep this OFF STRANG." In the background, a small creek can be seen with smooth stones and sandy areas along its banks.
  7
A collage showcasing top mountain biking technology and electronics, featuring two high-performance mountain bikes, a compact action camera, a protective device, a colorful inflatable ramp for jumps, and a portable folding bike ramp. The text highlights "Top MTB Tech and Electronics."
A UPS delivery notice taped to a glass door, stating "Sorry we missed you." The notice includes instructions for tracking the package or paying fees, a QR code, and details about a missed delivery attempt for a bike frame, noting payment due and delivery requirements.
  8
Close-up view of a worn shoe sole with a hexagonal tread pattern, showing dirt and debris, held up against a blurred natural background.
A collage of mountain bike gifts priced at $100 or less, featuring a tire, a multi-tool, gloves, a coffee tube, a storage bag, a flashlight, and a pump. The background is light purple and prominently displays the text “MOUNTAIN BIKE GIFTS $100 OR LESS.”
A gray mountain bike parked on forest floor, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
  17
A cyclist wearing a red shirt and helmet rides along a green field, passing orange traffic cones on a dirt path. In the foreground, there is a smooth, wavy concrete structure, under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds. Trees line the background, providing a natural setting.
  4
Close-up of a blue bicycle frame with a black sticker featuring a stylized logo, set against a blurred natural background. The frame shows signs of outdoor use with some dirt visible.
  21
A person dressed in a full-body costume performing a bike jump above two individuals seated on a bench, both wearing gray wigs and old-fashioned clothing. The scene is set in a park on a sunny day with trees in the background. One of the seated individuals is knitting while the other is looking down.
  3
A collection of gravel biking gear displayed on an orange background, featuring cycling shoes, a bike fork, a bicycle, a bike light, a frame bag, a rear light, and a lightweight cycling jacket, with the text "GRAVEL BIKING" prominently featured in the center.
A close-up view of a green flashlight lens illuminated by a blue light, set against a blurred, dark background. The lens features a circular design with a small blue light in the center, and a metal body is visible behind it.
A split image displaying two mountain bikes: the Transition Sentinel on the left, featuring a light-colored frame, and the Ibis Ripley on the right, with a darker frame. The bikes are depicted at an angle with a blurred forest background, and bold text in the center reads "VS." The bottom section includes the names of the bikes, with "Transition Sentinel" on the left and "Ibis Ripley" on the right, along with a badge that says "Best of 2025."
  18
A colorful composition featuring various mountain biking gear for a Cyber Monday sale, including a mountain bike, a helmet, protective gloves, cycling pants, a tube of chain lube, bike forks, a handlebar stem, and an energy fuel packet, all set against a bright green background. The text boldly states "CYBER MONDAY FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS."
  3
A close-up of a brown and teal sneaker resting on the pedal of a mountain bike, with a blurred background of autumn foliage. The shoe features a textured design and laces, highlighting an active outdoor setting.
  21
A close-up view of a smartwatch displaying the time as 10:23 AM on November 28, with additional information such as temperature and weather conditions. The wrist holding the watch is partially covered by a blue long-sleeve shirt, and another wrist is shown with a black sleeve featuring a logo. The background shows a blurred outdoor scene.
Alt text: A collection of mountain biking gear and accessories including a helmet, sunglasses, gloves, bike frame, clothing, bike components, and a chain lube pack, all displayed on a pink background with the text "Black Friday for Mountain Bikers."
A close-up view of a white bicycle saddle featuring a sleek design with branding that reads "Repente Nomad 3D," positioned against a cobblestone surface. The saddle has a textured finish, emphasizing its modern aesthetic.
A bracket-style chart displaying various mountain bike models competing in a "Best of 2025" contest. The models listed include Pivot Trailcat LT, Ibis Ripley, Canyon Spectral, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek Fuel Ex, Santa Cruz Bronson, Transition Sentinel, and Norco Sight. The background features a muted sunset over a body of water.
A close-up view of an orange rubber handle grip with the embossed letters "OURY" on it, mounted on a black bicycle handlebar. The grip appears slightly worn and dirty, suggesting usage in outdoor settings. The background is out of focus, highlighting the grip.
  17
A vibrant yellow background featuring a Garmin smartwatch displaying fitness metrics, a bottle of Halo wax lubricant for bike maintenance, a pair of sporty sunglasses, and a variety of GU energy gels in multiple flavors, all highlighted with "Amazon Black Friday" text.
A graphic featuring a bracket-style competition titled "Best of 2025," showcasing various mountain bike models, including Pivot Trailcat LT, Ibis Ripley, Canyon Spectral, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek Fuel EX, Santa Cruz Bronson, Transition Sentinel, and Norco Sight, with Ibis Ripley and Specialized Stumpjumper highlighted as key contenders. The background features a sunset over a tranquil body of water.
  3
Image showing a comparison between two mountain bikes: the Norco Sight on the left, displayed in teal, and the Transition Sentinel on the right, shown in white. The bikes are positioned at an angle against a dark, mountain-themed background, with bold text indicating "VS" between them. The bottom of the image features the names of the bikes, while a badge in the corner highlights "Best of 2025."
  2
A mountain biker in blue athletic gear stands on a rock in a wooded area, holding his bike. The surrounding forest features tall trees and lush greenery, creating a vibrant outdoor setting.
  1
A man wearing a black and red bike helmet and sunglasses stands outdoors with a blurred background of colorful autumn foliage and trees. He has short hair and a stubbly beard, and he appears to be looking off to the side. The image captures a moment of contemplation in nature.
A modern mountain bike with a sleek silver frame is shown alongside vibrant pink cycling gloves, a colorful bike pedal, a black athletic shoe, and a close-up of a bicycle tire, set against a gradient background. The text highlights "Specialized" and "Best Deals of the Season."
A smiling man with a beard is standing in front of a wooden wall adorned with various tools and a logo. He is wearing a black sweatshirt featuring a lightning bolt design. The atmosphere suggests a workshop or studio setting.
  5
A close-up view of a mountain bike secured to a rear-mounted bike rack on a vehicle. The bike, featuring a bright orange frame and black tires with visible tread, is positioned upright with the rear wheel held in place by the rack. The scene includes part of the vehicle's rear, showcasing its modern design against a natural background.
  6
A collection of outdoor gear displayed on a bright green background, featuring a white and orange mountain bike helmet, a Garmin GPS device with a map display, red biking shoes, a black insulated jacket, a red bike light, and a mountain bicycle. The image promotes an REI holiday sale.
A close-up of a person's foot wearing a brown and teal sneaker while resting on a bicycle pedal. The sneaker features a mix of materials, including suede and mesh, with a speckled sole and branding visible on the side. The background shows a blurred natural setting with autumn leaves.
  4
Two mountain bikes are displayed prominently against a gradient background featuring mountain silhouettes. On the left is the Santa Cruz Bronson in a green color scheme, while on the right is the Trek Fuel EX in a striking purple design. The bikes are suspended mid-air, showcasing their frame and components. An artistic "VS" symbol in teal and purple is centered between them, with text "SANTA CRUZ BRONSON" below the left bike and "TREK FUEL EX" beneath the right. A logo in the bottom right corner indicates "BEST OF 2025."
  3