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 blue checkered shirt and patterned shorts leans into a turn on a woodland trail, with trees and greenery surrounding the path. Dust rises from the tires as he navigates the terrain, showcasing an action-packed moment in a natural setting.
An arrangement of outdoor gear and apparel including a green kayak, a red tent, a lime green cap, a blue-handled knife, a mountain bike tire, denim overalls, a tan mountain bike frame, and a serrated knife, with the "Backcountry" logo displayed prominently in the center against a gradient orange background.
A mountain biker performs a jump in mid-air against a backdrop of urban buildings and a clear blue sky, with the sun shining brightly overhead.
Close-up of a cyclist's foot wearing an olive green Fox Union flat mountain biking shoe, positioned on the pedal of a light blue mountain bike. The background features a natural, wooded setting with earthy tones and foliage.
  16
A close-up of a black clothing label featuring the Patagonia logo, set against a vibrant red fabric background. The label displays the brand name "patagonia" along with a mountainous graphic and indicates a size medium.
A hand holding a squeeze bottle with a clear tube extends toward a variety of small metal parts and screws arranged on a wooden surface. In the background, tools and containers are partially visible, suggesting a workshop setting. The focus is on the precision components, including some with orange accents.
  5
A black bicycle hub with prominent flanges and a silver logo on the side, centered against a red gradient background.
  2
Text graphic advertising an REI Outlet sale. It states "5 DAYS ONLY" and "SAVE UP TO 70%" on a teal background, with the slogan "The gear you love for less." displayed at the top.
Two smartphones displaying mobile app interfaces for eBike settings. The left screen shows options for maximum torque, speed, and power settings, with a maximum torque slider positioned at 100 Nm. The right screen lists four customizable riding modes (Turbo, eMTB+, eMTB, Sport, Auto, Tour+, Eco) with toggle switches for selection. The backgrounds are dark, enhancing the visibility of the app elements.
  4
A view from the handlebars of a mountain bike navigating a dirt trail surrounded by tall grass and vegetation. The bike displays a digital dashboard, and the terrain appears rocky and uneven, suggesting an adventurous ride.
  6
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail surrounded by trees. The cyclist is focused on navigating the terrain and is wearing a helmet and a blue shirt, with shorts and sturdy shoes. The landscape features scattered rocks and sparse foliage in a natural setting.
  7
A close-up image of a hand holding a nozzle bottle, dispensing a liquid onto a set of various metal bolts and parts arranged on a wooden surface. The components include black and orange bolts, with some showing distinct shapes, and the background has a blurred workshop setting with tools and materials.
  2
A collection of mountain biking gear featuring a pair of black cycling shoes, a white helmet, a silver mountain bike frame, and a pair of black gloves, all set against a gradient orange background.
Close-up view of the interior of a bicycle helmet, showcasing the Mips (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology and padding. The helmet features a combination of foam materials designed for safety and comfort, with a focus on ventilation and fit. The light grey and black elements are visible, along with branding details.
  4
An image of a portable mini inflator with a black surface and visible buttons, featuring the brand name "Fanttik." The background is softly blurred, highlighting the product, which is promoting a sale of 27-36% off.
  1
A person standing outdoors with their back to the camera, wearing a green shirt and dark pants. They have a black bag secured at their waist with a buckle, featuring a label that reads "HIGH ABOVE." The background shows a blurred forest landscape with sunlight filtering through the trees.
  1
A close-up view of a mountain bike's rear wheel and the rider's foot on the pedal, set in a forested area with green grass and trees in the background. The bike features a blue frame with visible branding, and there is a yellow gadget attached to the wheel's hub. The rider is wearing dark pants and specialized biking shoes.
  2
Mountain bike positioned on grass in a natural setting, featuring a blue frame, sturdy tires, and a suspension system, with trees softly blurred in the background.
  6
Alt text: A top-down view of a mountain bike saddle with a muddy trail and foliage visible in the background, indicating a ride through a natural setting.
  2
A mountain biker leans into a turn on a forested trail, surrounded by lush green foliage. The bike is partially off the ground, showcasing a dynamic action shot that captures the thrill of outdoor riding.
  1
Image depicting bike upgrades under $100, featuring a large dollar sign, a black dropper post, a silver brake rotor, and a vibrant purple chainring, all set against a bright green gradient background. The top text reads "UPGRADES UNDER."
A mountain biker with sunglasses and a colorful jersey navigates a rocky trail in a wooded area, focused on maintaining balance as he rides downhill. The ground is covered with leaves and scattered rocks, while trees and greenery surround the path. Farlow Gap mountain bike trail.
  15
A group of mountain bikers riding along a dirt trail surrounded by greenery in a forested area. The lead cyclist, wearing a helmet and colorful clothing, navigates the path while kicking up dust. Two other cyclists are visible in the background, enjoying the outdoor adventure on a sunny day.
  1
A close-up image of a wooden plank displaying a row of various metal and anodized components, including black and orange parts in different shapes and sizes. The items consist of screws, bolts, and fittings, highlighting their intricate designs and finishes against a blurred wooden background.
  10
A close-up view of a white mountain bike frame featuring the logo "YT" on the top tube. The background consists of lush green foliage, highlighting the bike's design and setting. The handlebars and front fork are visible, showcasing details such as the headset and cable routing.
  6
A close-up image of a blue valve cap sitting on a bicycle wheel, filled with soapy water, with part of the wheel visible in the foreground and a wooden surface in the background.
  3
A collection of various mountain bikes displayed against a soft gradient background, featuring different styles and colors, including red, orange, black, green, and silver. Each bike is shown from different angles, highlighting their unique designs and features.
  2
A mountain biker traverses a winding dirt trail surrounded by lush green trees in a forest setting. The biker, wearing a helmet and a backpack, leans slightly forward as they navigate the path. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
  2
A close-up view of a mountain bike tire mounted on a white background. The tire is labeled "ASPEN" and has specifications including "32x40" and "120 TPI." The tread pattern is designed for grip and performance on various terrains.
  12
Close-up view of a mountain bike's front wheel and suspension fork, set against a blurred background of greenery and forest foliage. The tire features a rugged tread pattern, while the forks are black with gold accents, highlighting the bike's design and functionality.
  20
A flat lay arrangement of various outdoor and athletic gear displayed on a vibrant orange background. Items include cycling shoes, navigation device, water filtration straw, sports hydration tablets, sunglasses, a portable air pump, a cooling container, and a mini drone, emphasizing a collection of essential products for outdoor enthusiasts.
  3
A close-up view of a warning sign at the entrance of a wooded trail, indicating that "Rock Soft" is a very difficult trail for biking with a list of potential obstacles and challenges. The background shows a winding dirt path through lush green trees.
  15
A close-up image of a mechanical component held in a hand, featuring a circular metal piece with a star-shaped opening in the center. The component has red and green accents and appears to be part of a larger mechanical assembly. The background is blurred, suggesting an industrial or workshop setting.
  1
Close-up of a mountain bike frame showcasing the grey finish and a decorative graphic, with a blurred background of a serene pond and autumn foliage. The bike's rear tire is partially visible on the left side, emphasizing its rugged design.
  2
Close-up of a USB-C charging port on a bicycle frame, featuring a black charging cable connected to the port. The background is dark, emphasizing the sleek design of the bike and the charging components. Text labeled "USB-C CHARGING PORT" is included in the image.
  5
A man wearing a black t-shirt with a colorful graphic design and a mountain biking helmet is thoughtfully posing with his hand on his chin. He has a mustache and is wearing blue gloves. The background is a vibrant yellow.
Image showing a yellow mountain bike frame, a black suspension fork, a black helmet, and a mountain bike tire, with a red, white, and blue star graphic and text that reads "JULY 4TH MTB DEALS."
Close-up view of a bicycle disc brake rotor, showing the intricate design of the rotor's surface and the surrounding bolts. The background features a blurred natural setting, enhancing the focus on the rotor.
  12
A close-up image of a bicycle derailleur assembly, including the main derailleur body, a lower pulley, and a small electronic component, all placed on a weathered wooden surface. The derailleur features a combination of metallic and black plastic parts, emphasizing its mechanical design.
  7
A collection of cycling gear displayed on different colored backgrounds, including a red hydration pack, a sleeveless patterned top, a gray bicycle helmet, a multi-tool kit, and a red pedal.
A close-up view of a mountain bike partially obscured by a tree, set in a lush forest. The bike features a white frame, front suspension, and chunky tires marked with "Schwalbe." Surrounding greenery includes ferns and moss, creating a natural and adventurous atmosphere.
  2
A close-up image of a bicycle's rear derailleur, featuring a Shimano GRX component. A hand is seen holding a small black piece, likely a battery or connector, that is being prepared for installation or adjustment, with the bicycle chain and cassette in the background.
Close-up of a WTB Peacemaker mountain bike tire, showcasing knobby tread patterns and dirt accumulated on the surface, set against a blurred green background.
Alt text: A close-up image of a mountain bike tire against a textured green background. The text overlay reads "TIRE BIN SALE" and "28-55% off" in bold, eye-catching fonts.
A detailed view of a workshop wall displaying an organized array of various hand tools, including wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers, mounted on a metallic pegboard. A cardboard box is situated on the floor, and various stickers and business cards are visible among the tools.
  10
A breathtaking sunrise over a mountainous landscape, with the sun's rays illuminating the rocky foreground and distant hills. Evergreen trees dot the scene, adding to the natural beauty of the tranquil setting.
  1
Close-up view of a modern mountain bike's handlebars, featuring textured grips, gear shifters, and hydraulic brake levers, with a sleek red and black bike frame in the background. The image has a soft gradient background in shades of blue and yellow.
  3
A close-up image of a foot wearing a black sneaker on a mountain bike pedal, with a focus on the bike's drivetrain, including the crankset and chain. The bike has a turquoise frame and features a black Deore XT chainring. The background is a blurred natural setting, suggesting an outdoor biking environment.