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 of a hand gripping the white handle of a mountain biking tool, with a blurred green background suggesting an outdoor setting. The handle features texture for improved grip, and the tool itself shows signs of gear or maintenance work. The hand is adorned with black bead bracelets, conveying an active and adventurous vibe.
Close-up image of a bicycle pedal featuring a silver metal body and a purple rubber edge. The pedal is mounted on a bicycle, with a blurred background of green foliage and natural elements.
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Mountain bikers walking on a dirt trail, with a close-up view of a bike's front fork featuring a vibrant orange color and the brand name "FOX." The background shows a blurred mountain bike and a wooded environment.
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike's suspension system, showcasing the shock absorber and linkage mechanism. The components feature a sleek black finish with gold accents, set against a dark background to emphasize the intricate details of the design.
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A close-up view of a cyclist's leg and foot on a mountain bike, showcasing a brown bike frame with a water bottle holder attached. The cyclist wears dark shorts and a pair of colorful socks. The bike features a thick front tire and a visible chainring, with gravel and foliage in the background.
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars, featuring a black handlebar and stem, with a blue adjustment knob visible. The background shows a blurred green grassy surface, suggesting an outdoor setting.
Image displaying various mountain biking gear and accessories, including a blue mountain bike, a Garmin GPS device, a black cycling helmet, protective knee sleeves, cycling shoes, a pair of sunglasses, a bike pedal, and several components like a crankset and chain. The background is a neutral color.
A scenic view of a mountainous landscape, with rolling hills fading into the distance under a clear blue sky. Pine trees frame the foreground, their branches reaching out over the valley below, which is dotted with sparse vegetation. The overall atmosphere conveys a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
  6
A collection of mountain bikes hanging upside down in a wooden garage. The bikes have various colors and designs, including a turquoise bike, an orange bike, and others with distinct handlebars. Several helmets in different styles are mounted on the wall behind, and there are storage boxes nearby. The scene suggests a well-organized space for cycling enthusiasts.
  9
A cyclist sitting in a chair, resting with a smartphone in hand, alongside a muddy mountain bike lying on the ground. The bike has a black frame with an orange front fork and is positioned on sandy terrain, with a vehicle visible in the background.
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A mountain biker wearing a white helmet and sunglasses pushes their bike uphill through a rocky terrain, with sunlight illuminating the surroundings and distant mountains in the background. The rider is dressed in a light jacket and gloves, focused on navigating the challenging landscape.
  4
A serene view of a river at dusk, reflecting city lights along the bank. The sky is painted in soft shades of blue and pink, while trees and buildings are illuminated by warm light. The peaceful water surface mirrors the evening ambiance, creating a tranquil scene.
  8
A split-screen image featuring two men smiling at the camera. The man on the left has short, gray hair, wears glasses, and a patterned shirt, speaking into a microphone with earphones. The man on the right has a long red beard, wears a camouflage baseball cap, and is seated in a well-lit indoor space with a cozy ambiance.
A collage of various mountain bikes displayed against a vibrant gradient background, showcasing different styles and colors, including black, white, red, blue, and pink frames. Each bike features distinctive designs and components, highlighting the variety available in mountain biking.
A close-up of a wooden sign that reads "RENTAL BIKE PARKING," placed in front of a window with reflections of bicycles and a busy street. In the foreground, part of a bicycle seat is visible, along with a rustic wooden bench. The background features a textured, rusty metal wall.
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A cyclist kneeling beside a mountain bike, inspecting the rear tire, which is covered in white foam likely from a sealant for puncture repair. The background features a dirt path surrounded by greenery, indicating an outdoor biking environment. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and a blue shirt.
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A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by trees, smiling as he propels off the ground with his bike. The biker is wearing a helmet, gloves, and casual clothing, and the terrain is a mix of gravel and natural foliage.
  3
A collection of outdoor and recreational gear, featuring a gray storage shed, a portable power station, a fitness watch, a drone, a game controller, an orange travel mug, a bottle of bike lubricant, and a hydration drink mix packet, all set against a gradient purple background.
A mountain biker in a plaid shirt and helmet navigates a rocky trail in a forest, with sunlight filtering through the trees. The biker is performing a maneuver on a red bike, showcasing skill and balance.
  8
Close-up of a bicycle dropper post mechanism, showcasing a metallic gold shaft and a black attachment point with electronic connectors, set against a blurred green background.
  9
Alt text: A promotional image for a Cannondale spring sale featuring a turquoise mountain bike, a black bicycle seat, a bike wheel, a pink bike grip, and a black suspension fork, all set against a yellow geometric background with the text "CANNONDALE SPRING SALE!" prominently displayed.
A person in a green plaid shirt is washing a mountain bike with a hose near a modern building. The bike is positioned on a stone pathway, and the individual is focused on cleaning the bike's tires. Lush greenery is visible in the background, and another bike leans against the building.
  31
Close-up view of a blue Knolly mountain bike frame showcasing the suspension system, a water bottle cage, and a mounted CO2 cartridge holder. The bike appears to be used, with dirt and dust on the components, set against a gravel path.
  5
A smiling person sitting on a mountain bike, dressed in a gray t-shirt, shorts, and cycling shoes. The bike features large tires and is positioned on rocky terrain with a clear sky in the background. Trees are visible in the distance.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars, with a focus on the grips and brake levers, set against a blurred natural background of greenery and moss.
  6
Schematic illustration of a tubular mesh structure, showcasing two views of the same design. The upper and lower sections feature labeled components, including reference numbers for different parts of the structure. The mesh material is depicted in a grid-like pattern, with solid end caps shown at both ends. The background is black, enhancing the visibility of the white line drawing.
  9
Image featuring various outdoor and cycling gear against a yellow background, including a bicycle carrier, a helmet, a Hydro Flask water bottle, shorts, a bike repair stand, a saddle, a toolset, and a carrying bag, marked with the text "REI MEMBER DAYS."
Cardboard box featuring a vibrant design with the word "Kona" prominently displayed in red, surrounded by various doodles and icons related to biking and outdoor activities. The box indicates "THIS WAY UP" and includes a small shipping label.
  20
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a forested area, focusing on the rear wheel and pedals of the bike. The ground is covered with orange dirt and scattered leaves, and sunlight filters through the trees in the background.
Sign for Quail Hill Loop trail in Irvine, California. It includes information about trail hours (7:00 am to sunset), rules for staying on designated trails, and a reminder that dogs must be leashed. Contact details and website for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy are also provided. Quail Hill Loop mountain bike trail.
  2
Close-up image of a bicycle's rear derailleur and gear cassette, showcasing the intricate mechanics and dirt accumulation. The background features blurred greenery, indicating an outdoor setting, possibly a trail.
  9
Three mountain bikers are gathered around a bicycle on a rocky trail. Two of them are inspecting the bike, while one is holding tools and working on it. All three are wearing helmets and appropriate biking gear, surrounded by dry grass and dirt.
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A cyclist wearing a black helmet and sunglasses is about to take a bite of a snack bar while standing outdoors. He is dressed in a blue shirt and has on bright yellow gloves. The background is nature, suggesting he is taking a break during a ride.
  3
Close-up view of a mountain bike's suspension system, featuring a black shock with an electronic control unit, highlighted by a green indicator light and a pink adjustment knob. The bike frame is white with green accents, positioned in a natural outdoor setting.
  5
Four small, colorful plastic pieces in yellow and orange are scattered on a wooden surface. The pieces have angular shapes with circular holes, resembling components that could be used in a game or tool. The rustic texture of the wood contrasts with the bright colors of the plastic.
  9
Alt text: A bicycle wheel with purple spokes, accompanied by colorful components including an orange hub, blue and black stem caps, and an orange stem, featuring the logo of Industry Nine.
A cyclist dressed in a blue shirt and black shorts rides a gravel path surrounded by lush green trees. The trail is dusty and the scene is illuminated by soft, natural light filtering through the foliage.
A person wearing a black jacket and beanie is standing near the open bed of a pickup truck, holding a black bag with the brand name "RACEFACE" visible. The background features a forested area with a gravel surface, suggesting an outdoor setting. The individual appears to be preparing or organizing their belongings.
A gold mountain bike stands on a dirt trail surrounded by open fields and hills under a partly cloudy sky. The bike features thick tires and a water bottle mounted on the frame, highlighting its readiness for outdoor adventures.
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Two bicycle wheels are displayed against a light orange background, with the word "HUNT" prominently featured below them. The wheels are black, showcasing their spokes and hubs, and are positioned to create a dynamic composition.
Close-up of a mountain bike tire mounted on a rugged wheel, resting on a gravel and dirt surface. The tire features a prominent brand logo and exhibits a partially worn tread pattern, indicating use in off-road conditions.
  4
Close-up image of a bicycle hub with a measuring tape showing a measurement close to 2.5 inches. The hub is black and partially dirty, indicating it may be used or older. The background consists of blurred natural elements, likely leaves and grass, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  14
A collection of biking accessories, including a black helmet, green-tinted goggles, multi-tool, hydration pack, orange fanny pack, stem, black pedal, and a bike seat, all displayed on a bright green background with the text "UNDER $50" prominently featured in the center.
A close-up view of a hand wearing a black watch displaying fitness metrics, including timer, distance, total ascent, and heart rate. The hand is partially gloved, and the background features soft, natural lighting, suggesting an outdoor activity.
  49
Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars, featuring black grips and a bicycle computer, set on a trail covered with fallen leaves. The bike is positioned with a turquoise frame partially visible, indicating an outdoor cycling environment.
A mountain bike is displayed on a grassy hilltop with a scenic background of rolling hills under a clear blue sky. The bike is positioned in silhouette, showcasing its frame and tires, with a focus on the rugged terrain and distant landscapes.
  4
Image showing a product page for a bicycle, featuring a close-up of a bike wheel, size selection options, pricing details, and a customer review with a five-star rating. The interface includes sections for pickup and shipping options, as well as complementary products. The background has a gradient color transition.
  13
A cyclist in a red and black plaid shirt rides an electric mountain bike on a rocky trail, surrounded by sparse trees and hills in the background during sunset.
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