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 mountain biker in a colorful jersey and helmet descends a rocky slope, with a communication tower in the background. The surrounding landscape features greenery and patches of dry grass under a clear blue sky.
A close-up view of a hand using a ruler to measure a shock absorber component, featuring branding elements. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the measurement process.
  14
Close-up image of a bicycle's head tube featuring a stainless steel frame with a "SAGE" logo. The image also shows the handlebars, integrated cables, and a "KING" logo on the bottom bracket. The background is plain white, emphasizing the bike's components.
A close-up of a hand gripping a black Wolf Tooth component attached to a bicycle handlebar, featuring a circular adjustment dial marked with "PATENT PENDING" and a torque limit indicator. The background shows parts of a bicycle, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  2
A mountain biker performing a jump over a wooden ramp during a race, with spectators gathered on the sidelines watching and taking photos. The scene is set against a backdrop of cloudy skies and mountains, capturing the excitement of the event.
A close-up image of a person's hand holding a shiny, metal ring-shaped object with a hollow center. The person is wearing several rings on their fingers, and the background appears to be a blurred indoor setting.
A collage of outdoor and cycling gear featuring a smartwatch, a plaid shirt, gloves, padded shorts, a yellow bike helmet, a mountain bike, cycling shoes, a bicycle pedal, sunglasses, and a tire, set against a gradient background of orange and green.
A split-screen video call featuring two men smiling at each other. The man on the left is wearing glasses and a patterned shirt, speaking into a microphone, with a blurred background showcasing framed artwork and bicycles. The man on the right is wearing a baseball cap and headphones, with a light-colored shirt, sitting in front of a wooden storage box and a dark background.
  1
A purple mountain bike with prominent "Santa Cruz" branding, positioned on a forest floor surrounded by lush greenery. The bike features large tires with "Maxxis" labels, a water bottle mounted on the frame, and a detailed drivetrain.
  4
A sign reading "Kingdom Trails Center" with a yellow crown graphic on a red background, mounted on a wooden frame, with a picnic table in the foreground. In the background, there are colorful flags and a building.
  11
A man with a beard wearing a helmet and outdoor gear rides a bright yellow mountain bike through a wooded area, surrounded by trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.
  5
A collection of outdoor gear and apparel displayed on a light blue background, featuring a bike helmet, hiking shoes, a camping tent, a hydration reservoir, and various tools. The center includes a bold graphic announcing the "REI Co-op Anniversary Sale."
A winding dirt path through a forest with tall trees and lush green grass on either side. The path appears freshly created, with shaped turns that suggest it's suitable for biking or hiking.
A close-up view of a blue bicycle frame featuring the name "DIGGITY" and details of its shock mount and linkage system. The image highlights the smooth curves and modern design elements, showcasing a combination of aluminum and composite materials with a sleek matte finish, set against a dark background.
  5
Two smiling men are shown in a split-screen format. The man on the left is wearing glasses and a plaid shirt, speaking into a microphone, with colorful artwork in the background. The man on the right, wearing a red cap and glasses, is smiling broadly in front of a light-colored wall. Both appear to be engaged in a friendly conversation.
Image displaying various biking accessories on a gradient background, including a bicycle helmet, cycling shoes, gloves, a hydration bag, handlebar grips, a bike fender, and a mountain bike, highlighting essential gear for cyclists.
A close-up view of a small electronic component on a wooden surface, surrounded by wires and tools. The component features a black casing with a QR code and several small pins. Nearby, there is a red plastic cover and a piece of sandpaper, along with a pair of scissors and other wires.
  17
Close-up image of a bike's seat post with visible dirt and scratches, featuring the brand name "LEVOR" and a small logo. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  6
Brown sign with a red stop symbol, indicating that bikes are prohibited on Canyon Loop Trail on Wednesdays and Saturdays, set against a backdrop of green trees and rolling hills.
  14
Alt text: Close-up of a bicycle head tube featuring a metal badge with the name "Lynskey" and decorative designs, including a four-leaf clover and a mythical creature. Background shows workshop tools and storage.
  4
A collection of mountain biking components including two black and pink wheels, orange bike pedals, a grey helmet, brake pads, a bicycle seat post, a grip, and a pink mountain bike frame, all arranged on a teal background.
A mountain biking trail surrounded by lush green trees and distant mountains, with a clear blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. Red safety markers and a sign are visible along the trail, and a few people can be seen walking or biking on the path.
  14
A person standing on a gravel path in a forested area, holding a light green gravel bike. The bike features thin tires and disc brakes, with a gear system visible. The person is wearing a light blue t-shirt, dark shorts, and black cycling shoes. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the surroundings.
  5
A person holds a smartphone displaying an app interface related to electronic mountain biking, showing settings for assistance levels and maximum torque. The phone is positioned above the handlebars of a bicycle, with a blurred outdoor background.
A mountain bike with a sleek silver frame stands on a dirt path surrounded by greenery, with rolling hills in the background under a clear blue sky. The bike features wide tires and a front suspension fork, showcasing its readiness for off-road trails.
  8
A mountain biker in a red jersey navigates a rocky trail surrounded by dry foliage and trees. The biker is focused and balancing on the bike as they tackle the uneven terrain.
  3
A collection of biking accessories displayed on a purple background, including a bike rack, a gray backpack, a bike light, a dropper seat post, a handlebar grip, two brake components, a bike chain, and a bicycle cargo trailer.
Close-up of a sleek electric bike display, showing speed as "0 km/h," battery status at "100%," and time as "15:34." The bike frame features a metallic gray finish with decorative gold accents.
  62
A scene from the Sea Otter Classic event, featuring various vendor tents and trailers in an outdoor setting. In the foreground, a mountain bike rests near a small pond, surrounded by greenery. The hillside in the background displays a sign with the event’s name. Brightly colored flags flap in the breeze, indicating different brands and sponsors.
  9
A sleek mountain bike with a aluminum frame featuring a silver finish, equipped with large, rugged tires. The bike has a front suspension fork with golden stanchions, a prominent purple accent on the frame, and a modern drivetrain. The setup emphasizes both performance and aesthetics, with its components arranged in an ideal riding position against a dark background.
  1
A person wearing a helmet and a casual t-shirt stands beside a bright orange mountain bike, gesturing proudly. The background shows a bustling outdoor event with various tents and banners, indicating a biking festival or expo. Other attendees can be seen exploring the area, enjoying the sunny day.
  1
A close-up view of a mountain bike in a display area, featuring a measuring tape alongside the front fork. The background showcases a tent with branding and various bicycles on display. The scene captures the details of the bike's components and an engaging outdoor environment at a cycling event.
  3
Illustration of the SRAM Eagle S100 UDH Half Mount Derailleur, showcasing the black derailleur and components, with a gray background. The image highlights the design and functionality of the derailleur, ideal for bicycle enthusiasts and mechanics.
  1
An electric mountain bike featuring additional electronic components mounted on the frame, including a control panel with buttons and lights. The bike frame is predominantly white, and two battery packs are attached to the lower section. The background shows a green grass-like surface, and parts of a person’s legs can be seen next to the bike.
  1
Close-up view of a bicycle tire with a textured tread pattern, showcasing its grooves and ridges. The tire is brown with a red lining, and several other colorful tires are slightly blurred in the background.
  3
Two men are engaged in a video conversation. The man on the left, wearing glasses and a green plaid shirt, speaks into a microphone. The man on the right, smiling and wearing earbuds, is dressed in a gray shirt and is in a space with clothing hanging on racks. The setting appears casual and friendly.
  1
A flat lay image featuring various lightweight bicycle components on a bright blue background, including a tire, handlebars, a bike seat, a crank arm, grips, a bottle cage, alloy screws, and a pair of wheels. The central overlay text reads "LIGHTWEIGHT UPGRADES."
  3
Close-up of a black WTB Solano bicycle saddle mounted on a seat post, set against a blurred background of trees and greenery. The saddle features subtle texture and branding details.
  7
A variety of bicycle repair tools and a work stand arranged against a gradient background. Tools include wrenches, hex keys, a ratchet tool, and a tool bag. The work stand is in red and black, showcasing durability and portability for bike maintenance.
A mountain bike with a white frame and red fork is parked on a gravel surface. The bike features thick, knobby tires designed for off-road terrain, a dropper seat post, and a rear suspension system, making it suitable for trail riding. The background shows a blurred green landscape and a fence.
  10
A row of five mountain bike tires arranged on a textured surface. The tires feature various tread designs and are labeled with brand names and specifications, including "Dissector," "Forekaster," "Aspen AT," "Aspen," and "Aspen ST." The background consists of a blurred, earthy texture, emphasizing the tires' details and designs.
A side profile of a man wearing a light-colored mountain biking helmet and dark sunglasses, standing on a wooded path surrounded by greenery.
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire, showing its rugged tread pattern and texture, with dirt and debris visible on the surface. The background features a blurred natural setting with green grass and blurred foliage.
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike seat post, showcasing a turquoise frame and a black adjustable seat post clamp. The bike is positioned near a tree in a blurred outdoor setting, highlighting natural surroundings.
A flat lay image featuring various bicycle brake components, including brake levers, calipers, a brake rotor, brake pads, and mounting hardware, arranged aesthetically on a gradient background.
Close-up of a yellow bicycle frame showcasing the rear shock absorber and spring mechanism. The image highlights the black suspension parts and metallic components, emphasizing the engineering and design of the bike's suspension system against a dark background.
Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars, featuring grips, brake levers, and a gear shifter. The bike is positioned on a concrete surface with a natural background of dried grass and foliage.
  12
Close-up view of an AVINOX M2S motor mounted on a bicycle, featuring a sleek, metallic casing and adjacent components including a crank arm and adjustment dials.
  1