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 close-up view of a black bicycle pedal, featuring a platform design with a clip mechanism. The pedal shows signs of use with dirt and scratches, and is positioned against a blurred, earthy background.
Image of cycling gear including a black helmet with a bright yellow logo, a pair of black gloves, a set of elbow pads, and goggles with a green strap, all displayed against a gradient background of yellow and orange.
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A male mountain biker wearing a blue jersey with a U.S.A. emblem races along a dirt path, surrounded by spectators. Dust rises from the ground as he navigates a turn, showing focused determination. The background features a line of fans watching the event.
  7
A flat lay of six mountain bikes arranged on an orange background. The bikes feature various designs and colors, including black, gray, pink, and beige frames. Each bike has distinct tire brands and patterns, showcasing a mix of styles for different riding preferences.
A mounted goat head with soft fur and prominent curled horns displayed on a wooden base alongside a numbered auction tag reading "LOT 126." The background features a dark, modern setting.
  2
A close-up image featuring a helmet with a digital display attached to it, set against a soft-focused background showing a person bending down. The helmet appears to be designed for safety or testing purposes, indicating the importance of monitoring in the given setting.
  1
A pouch of NEVE boysenberry beet drink sits on a gravel surface, partially opened with its silver cap on top. The packaging features bold red and pink graphics on a cream background, prominently displaying the product name and flavor. In the background, a black tire is partially visible, with some leaves scattered around in the vicinity.
  2
Close-up of a smartphone screen displaying the Strava and Garmin Connect app icons, with a blurred natural background and the time showing 1:49.
  2
A collection of bicycle tools and accessories displayed on a wooden surface. The image includes a black tool roll with the "Granite" logo, a pair of blue-handled pliers, several small black screws, and a metal tool with a specific shape. Surrounding this central arrangement are three smaller images showing a hand working on a bike, a close-up of a bike's frame with a bottle holder, and a pair of green accessories labeled "Spin."
A young rider in a red and white helmet performs a trick on a BMX bike on a wooden half-pipe ramp in an indoor skate park. The rider leans into the turn, showcasing skill and balance while navigating the curved surface.
  3
A sleek black mountain bike with unique large, five-spoke wheels and a lightweight frame, set against a bright yellow background. The bike features Maxxis tires, a chain drive system, and a minimalist design, emphasizing its performance-oriented features.
  3
A close-up view of a purple bicycle pedal attached to the sole of a cycling shoe, resting on a textured surface with visible dirt. The pedal features a silver mechanism and has "CTRL" inscribed on it. The shoe sole has a honeycomb pattern, indicating grip for cycling.
  2
A vibrant collage featuring a stylish red bike, a pair of colorful ski goggles with a reflective lens, a purple training obstacle for ninja courses, and a sleek black athletic shoe, all set against a light background.
A custom-built mountain bike displayed with a sleek design in an oxblood red frame. The image showcases the bike from the side, highlighting its large wheels and suspension components. On the right side, there are options for selecting frame size, suspension specifications, and color customization. The background features a gradient yellow to orange transition.
Image of various outdoor and cycling products including a Garmin device, sports socks, bike cleaner, a hydration pack, protein snacks, and bike pedals on a colorful background. The text "BIG DEALS" is prominently displayed in the center.
A modern reception area featuring a large, stylized wall art piece with the word "GARMIN" prominently displayed in sleek letters. The background includes wood textures and a design resembling mountain ranges, adding an artistic touch to the corporate environment. A first aid sign is visible to the right of the entrance.
  3
A mountain biker riding down a rocky slope in a lush, wooded area with bright green leaves and sunlight filtering through the trees.
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Close-up view of a bicycle tire tread, showing a textured surface with distinct patterns designed for traction. The tire has visible dirt and debris, indicating it has been used on rugged terrain. The background is slightly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A modern mountain bike positioned on green grass, surrounded by trees. An orange "Buy Now" button with a medical symbol overlay is featured prominently.
  5
Image of a control panel for an electric device, featuring various buttons and indicators. Labels indicate functions such as "Assist down," "Assist up," "Battery level display," "Motor Assistance LED," and "Lights On/Off." The design is sleek and modern, set against a light background.
  4
A winding dirt path leads through a desert landscape, surrounded by sparse vegetation, low shrubs, and rocky formations under a cloudy sky.
  3
Podcast hosts engaged in conversation, with one man on the left wearing glasses and a patterned shirt, speaking into a microphone, and a woman on the right smiling, wearing a cap and headphones, with a cozy background featuring framed posters and a plant.
A collection of bicycles displayed against a pink background, featuring various models and styles. The text in the center boldly states "SAVE UP TO 51%".
Close-up of a bicycle hub showing the bearings and surrounding spokes, with some dirt and wear visible on the surface. The background features a textured surface, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  6
A mountain biker navigates a narrow, rocky trail along a ridge with steep cliffs on either side. The landscape is rugged and mountainous, under a clear blue sky. In the background, rolling hills and lakes can be seen, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
  1
Close-up of a bicycle frame featuring the word "STRAGGLER" emblazoned in a playful font on a teal-colored metal surface, with a blurred natural background.
  4
A close-up image of a stationary bike roller with a wheel in contact with the rollers. The device features the logo "TRP" prominently displayed on the front and includes a "powered by Sinter" label. The setup allows for indoor cycling training or testing.
  3
Close-up of a bike's head tube showcasing a metallic emblem with a stylized design, featuring two water droplets and a creature, mounted on a sleek gray frame. The image is set against a blurred natural background, indicating an outdoor environment.
  5
A helmet mounted on a testing apparatus, featuring a simulated head form, with adjustable supports and pneumatic lines in the background. The setting appears to be a laboratory or research facility focused on safety equipment testing.
A collage of men's apparel, including a plaid shirt, a gray quarter-zip top, black shorts with a design, a red and black flannel shirt, a black long-sleeve shirt, and a blue long-sleeve shirt. The prominent text in the center reads "UNDER $50," highlighting affordable clothing options. The background is a soft beige color.
  2
A mountain biker gracefully jumps off a rocky ledge in a forest with autumn foliage, capturing a moment of action in a natural outdoor setting.
  12
Alt text: Close-up view of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, featuring a black and silver design, with a chain running through the derailleur and a dark background.
  6
A brightly colored mountain bike resting on rocky terrain with a mountainous landscape in the background. The bike features a turquoise and lime green frame, wide tires with knobby tread, and is positioned at an angle to showcase its design and surroundings.
  5
Close-up of a digital display mounted on a bicycle frame, showing a speedometer reading 0 km/h and a battery level indicator at 100%. The display features a sleek design with a circular speed gauge and icons in a modern aesthetic, set against a light blue frame background.
  3
Close-up view of a mountain bike's crankset and rear suspension. The image features a shiny metallic frame, a black chainring, and a bright red Squirt lubricant applicator attached to the crank arm. Additionally, part of the bike's tire and drivetrain components are visible, showcasing a blend of functional and aesthetic elements in the bike's design.
  8
An assortment of bike brake components, including a silver disc rotor, a brake lever, brake pads, and hose segments, displayed against a vibrant orange background with flame-like graphics. The text "UPGRADE YOUR BRAKES" is prominently featured at the bottom.
A young boy wearing a blue helmet and a t-shirt rides a mountain bike on a dirt track with smooth bumps, surrounded by greenery and a wooden fence in the background.
  15
Two people are riding mountain bikes in an open grassy area, each accompanied by a dog. The riders wear different colored shirts and helmets, while the dogs are attached to leashes connected to the bikes. In the background, various trees create a lush green landscape, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.
  1
Close-up view of a metal detector's search coil, with a focus on its underside. The coil is black, showing some signs of wear and dirt, and features attachment points for a shaft. A blurred, green and natural background suggests an outdoor setting.
  1
A close-up view of a bicycle drivetrain, showcasing a chain running over a silver cassette and crankset, featuring a black rear derailleur. The components are set against a dark, reflective surface, emphasizing their metallic finish and intricate design.
  7
A man stands beside a sign that reads "Coldwater Mountain Forever Wild Land State of Alabama." He is smiling and holding a water bottle, with a background of lush green trees and a hiking path.
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American flag waving against a cloudy sky, with mountainous silhouettes in the background.
  3
A collection of outdoor gear and equipment, including a paddleboard, cooler, portable power station, drone, a bike, sunglasses, a camping stove, a storage case, and a climbing ladder, set against a gradient background.
A mountain biker navigates a rocky downhill trail during a race, surrounded by cheering spectators in a lush, green forest. The biker wears a helmet and protective gear, with a distinct jersey, as they maneuver through the challenging terrain. In the background, fans of varying ages watch intently, some recording the action with their phones.
  8
A person wearing a helmet and carrying a bicycle walks along a rocky trail surrounded by lush greenery and steep rock formations. Another bicycle is being carried by a companion nearby. Sunlight illuminates the scene, creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
Two Garmin smartwatches are displayed against a dark, smoky background. The left watch shows a message notification from "Krystal C" with the text "Dinner? I'm starving." and a reply button. The right watch indicates an incoming call from "Jeremy B" with options for voice and audio interaction. The watches have rugged designs, emphasizing their outdoor capabilities.
  2
A mountain biker performing a jump off a large rock on a scenic dirt trail, surrounded by sparse vegetation and rocky terrain under a clear blue sky. The bike features wide tires, and the rider is wearing a helmet and athletic gear.
  1
A close-up image of a measuring scoop with white powder positioned on a round black surface. In the background, there is a white container labeled "Electrolyte Booster" showing its nutrition facts, and a yellow beverage container partially visible with the word "PERC" on it. The image is set on a light-colored countertop.
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