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
 
Image featuring various mountain bike (MTB) tires, a tire sealant display from Stans NoTubes, a green tubing, and a Fanttik tire inflator. The text "MTB TIRE SALE" is prominently displayed in the center against a colorful background.
Close-up of a Shimano XTR rear derailleur being handled, showcasing its metallic components and a black button with an upward arrow. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the derailleur's detail and design.
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A cyclist performing a jump on a mountain bike over a wooden ramp in a wooded area with bare trees and fallen leaves on the ground.
A mountain biker rides over a sandy terrain, kicking up dust and water as they navigate a trail surrounded by trees. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and sporty attire, demonstrating dynamic movement and focus against a backdrop of sunlight filtering through greenery.
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A person in a green jacket stands next to a blue mountain bike with two water bottles mounted on the frame. The background features rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, indicating an outdoor setting suitable for biking. The person wears shorts and gray socks with shoes, suggesting they are prepared for a biking adventure.
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Image featuring various sports gear and apparel for a Presidents' Day sale, including two bicycle wheels, black athletic shoes, denim shorts, a black helmet, a water bottle, and a bike tool. A portrait of George Washington is displayed on the right alongside the text "PRESIDENTS' DAY DEALS." The background is a light gray color.
  1
Sign for Devil's Den State Park, featuring an illustration of a cabin surrounded by trees, with green foliage in the background. The sign includes the park's name prominently displayed at the bottom.
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Close-up image of a cork-covered handle grip with a textured surface, attached to a black object, set against a blurred natural background.
  3
Close-up view of a mountain bike frame with a sleek design, featuring a blue color scheme and the word "DEVIATE" prominently displayed. The image captures details of the seat post and frame geometry against a soft, twilight sky.
A sleek, modern mountain bike with a polished aluminum frame, wide black tires, and disc brakes, positioned against a textured white brick wall. The bike features a single chainring, flat handlebars, and Maxxis tires, reflecting its rugged design for off-road cycling.
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A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain in a forested area, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and a plaid shirt, demonstrating skill and focus while riding a black mountain bike with red front suspension.
  4
Close-up of a bicycle's rear derailleur, featuring a silver and black Shimano XTR component, with a background of a metallic bike cassette and gravel surface.
  9
Tools and supplies for bike maintenance arranged on a wooden surface. The layout includes various lubricants, sealants, a tube of Polylube, a bottle of Fork Boost, Threadlocker, and a container with assorted screws and bolts. Several black zip ties and black tape are also present, creating a comprehensive kit for bike repairs and upkeep.
Close-up view of a bicycle's handlebars, featuring black tape and brake levers, with a digital display mounted in the center. The bike has orange forks and a textured tire, positioned on a gravel surface.
  24
A group of young children wearing orange shirts and various helmets are playing in a forest. Some are standing on a fallen log, while one child is holding a toy and another has a small backpack. An adult, also in casual clothing, is smiling and holding a basket filled with items. The scene captures a joyful outdoor activity among tall trees and pine needles.
  2
A close-up view of a bicycle frame featuring a metallic silver finish with colorful accents. The image focuses on the seat tube and rear triangle, showcasing the bike's geometry and tire with aggressive tread design. The background is a plain, neutral surface, highlighting the bike's details.
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A young male cyclist sits on the steps wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and a bike helmet, with a mountain bike resting beside him. He is looking off to the side, displaying a relaxed demeanor, while his bike features a distinct design with purple accents. The background shows a blurred staircase with graffiti, suggesting an urban setting.
Close-up image of a bicycle seat post featuring a black and silver adjustment mechanism. The top of the post shows markings for maximum height and measurement indicators, with a visible brand logo on the attachment point. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  3
Image featuring several bicycle forks arranged in a grid layout. Each fork is labeled with specifications, including wheel size measurements (27.5") and travel lengths in millimeters (100mm, 120mm, 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm). The text "BIG FORKING DEALS" is prominently displayed in the center, suggesting promotional offers.
A yellow caution sign featuring a silhouette of a bear and the text "CAUTION BEAR IN AREA." The sign is positioned near a dirt road surrounded by trees and greenery.
  35
A person riding a mountain bike down a rocky trail surrounded by trees, wearing a helmet and casual cycling attire. Sunlight filters through the branches, illuminating the path and surrounding foliage.
  20
A collection of mountain bikes mounted on the back of a pickup truck, showcasing their handlebars and tires. The truck has a black protective cover on the tailgate, and the image captures the bikes in a natural outdoor setting.
Image of a Salsa bike model, titled "Wanderosa," positioned on a rugged, natural trail surrounded by greenery. The bike features a sleek blue frame with distinctive orange branding. The foreground showcases the bike's detailed components, emphasizing its design suited for off-road adventures. The sky above is partly cloudy, enhancing the outdoor atmosphere.
  9
A close-up of a black-gloved hand resting on a bicycle handlebar, with the index finger pointing forward. The background features blurred patches of brown leaves and greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
  2
Close-up of the drivetrain of a bicycle, focusing on a small electronic component attached near the rear cassette. The component is connected with wires and is secured to the bike frame, showcasing a blend of mechanical and electronic parts.
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A collection of various bicycles displayed against a gradient pink and orange background. The bikes feature different designs, colors, and styles, showcasing mountain bikes in shades of gray, black, orange, and teal, as well as other types of bikes, all oriented in various angles.
A vibrant red camping trailer parked in a wooded area, with one side open showcasing camping gear and supplies. A green mat is laid out on the ground, with backpacks and other items scattered around, and a small step stool nearby. The trailer is equipped with off-road wheels and a top-mounted storage box. Trees and shrubs surround the scene, creating a natural camping environment.
  19
A biker in an orange shirt and helmet jumps over a wooden log on a trail through a dense forest, with greenery surrounding the path.
A bright LED light illuminating a rocky surface in a dark environment, with soft shadows and surrounding foliage.
  2
A person in a plaid shirt and gloves sits on a dirt pile next to a Kubota excavator in a forested area. A mountain bike is leaning against the dirt nearby, and trees are visible in the background, suggesting an outdoor adventure or construction scene.
  2
A close-up of black sneakers, partially covered in snow, positioned on a large rock. The person wearing the shoes is dressed in brown outdoor pants, with a snowy landscape in the background.
Close-up of a black cycling jacket with the brand name "Rapha" prominently displayed. The fabric is showing droplets of water, indicating its water-resistant quality, with a blurred background featuring red and green colors.
  1
A panel discussion featuring three individuals seated at a table with branding from Mazda and Life Time. The participants include a man in a black cap (Lachlan Morton) and a man in a blue shirt speaking into a microphone, alongside a woman in a yellow and white outfit. In the foreground, the back of an audience member can be seen, focusing on the panelists. The backdrop displays promotional logos for Mazda and Life Time Grand Prix.
  5
A mountain biker rides through a shallow stream, splashing water as he navigates the terrain. The surrounding area features lush greenery and sunlight filtering through the leaves. Another biker can be seen in the background.
  13
A close-up image of a Santa Cruz mountain bike frame, featuring a shiny green finish with prominent branding and details of the rear shock system. The background includes a blurred tree trunk and greenery, enhancing the outdoor setting.
  14
A close-up view of a Pinarello bicycle featuring a sleek navy blue frame with gold and pink accents. The bike has a prominent front fork with a suspension system and disc brakes, as well as textured tires designed for various terrains. The image is set against a dark background, highlighting the bike's design and details.
  5
Interior view of a bike shop featuring a variety of bicycles on display. In the foreground, several bikes with different colored frames are lined up, showcasing their handlebars and seats. In the background, more bicycles can be seen hanging on the wall. The shop has a modern feel with organized shelves and equipment visible.
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Close-up view of a light-colored mountain bike frame with the word "PRIVATEER" prominently displayed. The bike's front fork and handlebars are visible, and the background consists of lush green grass, creating a natural outdoor setting.
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A mountain biker in protective gear stands beside a purple mountain bike on rocky terrain, gazing down at the bike. The background features a scenic view of water and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
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A lineup of five compact electronic devices placed on a flat surface. From left to right, they include a Topeak device, a black and orange Flexi unit, an XSIMAX product with a red knob, a small black device featuring a logo, and a larger Fanttik unit with a hose and buttons. The background shows blurred greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A flat lay composition showcasing outdoor gear for mountain biking, including a fat tire bike, a black beanie, a pair of Five Ten biking shoes, Smith goggles, and colorful gloves. The background features a blue texture with the text "NO OFF-SEASON!" prominently displayed.
A warehouse setting with multiple stacked cardboard boxes on metal shelves, labeled with various green and yellow stickers. The lower section features additional boxes stacked on the ground, all with labels indicating their contents. The boxes appear to be organized for inventory or shipping purposes, with handwriting visible on some boxes.
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Close-up image of a hand holding a small mechanical tool with a black and gold design, featuring a knob and nozzle. The tool is likely used for precise applications, possibly in repair or manufacturing. The background is blurred, focusing on the tool's details.
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A hand holding a blue triangular scale ruler in front of a black bicycle frame against a wooden fence background.
  4
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.
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