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 navigating a winding dirt trail in a forested area, wearing a red helmet, sunglasses, and a black and pink shirt. The background features bare trees and trail signs, with fallen leaves scattered along the ground.
A person wearing a camouflage long-sleeve shirt and dark pants is riding a purple mountain bike, positioned beside a garage door. The bike features thick tires and a sleek frame, highlighting its suitability for off-road terrain.
  1
Close-up of a bicycle frame featuring a water bottle cage and storage compartment. The frame is dark gray with the word "FUEL" printed on it, and the storage compartment contains a black item with an orange strap labeled "BONTRAGER." The background includes green foliage and dirt, indicating an outdoor environment.
  4
Close-up of a black mountain bike featuring an orange seat bag with a white logo. The background shows a forest with trees and fallen leaves, creating a natural, outdoor setting.
  2
Three mountain bikers ride along a rugged trail surrounded by trees and tall grasses, with hills visible in the background under a clear blue sky. They are wearing helmets and biking gear, showcasing an outdoor adventure atmosphere.
Close-up view of a bicycle's bottom bracket and crankset, showcasing a shiny red frame and a black crank arm, with natural grass and leaves in the background.
A person wearing a helmet and a blue shirt is walking their mountain bike uphill on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green trees and foliage in a forest setting.
  8
A person riding a mountain bike, performing a wheelie on a rocky trail surrounded by trees. The rider is wearing a helmet, gloves, and casual athletic clothing, with a focus on balance and technique. The ground features patches of moss and scattered rocks, creating a challenging outdoor environment.
  1
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail, wearing a helmet and gloves, with a blue mountain bike. The background features rugged rocks and sparse vegetation, indicating an outdoor adventure setting.
  2
Close-up of a bicycle's handlebar and headset, featuring a "Bullet Cycles" logo on the headset. The handlebars are silver with red accents, while cables are neatly organized with red and black clips. The background shows hints of a bike wheel and the ground.
  2
A bright light source shines in a dark setting, creating a starburst effect. In the background, out of focus, the silhouette of a bicycle tire and a glimpse of red light are visible. The image captures a sense of night-time adventure or outdoor activity.
A blue mountain bike stands in tall golden grass with a sunlit mountain range in the background, creating a scenic outdoor landscape.
A view from a hillside overlooking a sprawling cityscape under a cloudy sky. The foreground features rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, with a winding dirt path leading up the slope. In the background, the city skyline is visible, with buildings scattered across the landscape and mountains in the distance.
  31
Image alt tag: "Graphic for the Outdoor Media Awards 2024 featuring the words 'Nominee' with details about the event location in Missoula, Montana, from October 14 to 16, 2024, alongside a scenic backdrop of mountains and a river."
  1
A man with short gray hair and a beard is looking directly at the camera, wearing a light gray t-shirt with the text "Gravity Logic" on it. The background is slightly blurred, depicting a workshop environment. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the man's thoughtful expression.
Mission Workshop The Hauser: A black bicycle helmet hangs from a blue backpack, which is secured to a tree in a lush, green forest setting. The backpack features a roll-top closure and has raindrops visible on its surface. Nearby, a mountain bike is partially visible, resting on the forest path. Various items, including energy bars, are accessible from the side pockets of the backpack.
  1
A close-up view of a purple bicycle pedal resting on a bed of dry leaves and dirt, with some dirt particles visible on the pedal's surface. The pedal shows signs of wear and is attached to a black pedal axle.
  2
A close-up view of a mountain bike front wheel and fork, featuring a water bottle secured in a holder, set against a wooded backdrop with leaves on the ground. The bike has a maroon frame with decorative elements and a Maxxis tire. The water bottle displays a decorative pattern, blending functionality with style.
  1
A close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars and frame, set against a backdrop of tall green grass. The handlebars feature grips and brake levers, while the bike frame showcases a shiny silver finish with a blue knob on the suspension fork.
  7
  2
Digital scale displaying a weight of 24.88 lbs, with a maximum capacity of 25 kg (55 lbs). The scale has a red casing and various buttons labeled "ON/OFF," "ZERO," and "MODE." The background is a dimly lit space, suggesting a basement or garage setting.
  37
A mountain bike rests against a rocky, textured wall in a natural outdoor setting, surrounded by dirt and fallen leaves. The bike features a black and white frame with a prominent orange handlebar light and a water bottle attached to its side.
  35
An image of a pair of outdoor shoes in earthy tones, resting on a wooden surface with a background of fallen leaves. The shoes feature grey laces and a logo on the tongue, and one shoe shows signs of dirt, indicating outdoor use.
A close-up image of a Clausthaler Dry Hopped IPA non-alcoholic beer bottle sitting on a white surface, with a blurred outdoor background featuring greenery and soft natural light. The bottle showcases its label prominently, highlighting it as a non-alcoholic beverage with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.
  2
Two blue axle components from The Robert Axle Project, displayed on a textured stone surface. One axle is marked with dimensions, while both have branding and the indication that they are made in the USA.
  3
A glass filled with clear water, featuring a black flashlight submerged inside. The flashlight has a small green indicator light visible, and the background consists of a blue surface and wall.
  2
Orange bicycle pedals with the brand name "ROCKBROS" displayed on them, sitting on a textured stone surface. The pedals feature a rugged design with multiple grip screws and a metallic threaded section for attachment.
  3
A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt track surrounded by greenery, with a scenic landscape in the background.
  1
Rocky pathway winding through a lush, green forest, with tall trees and fallen leaves scattered on the ground. The path is bordered by a collection of large stones, highlighting a natural hiking trail.
  6
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire showcasing its textured tread, designed for off-road traction, with a backdrop of colorful autumn leaves on the ground.
A green mountain bike with a modern frame design, featuring wide tires and a front suspension fork. The bike includes a dropper seat post and a derailleur for gear shifting, making it suitable for off-road trails.
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky, uneven trail surrounded by lush green vegetation and trees in a forested area.
  1
Close-up of a black bicycle saddle mounted on a seat post, with the brand name "SDG" visible. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.
Close-up of a bicycle's frame featuring a light blue color and a visible logo that reads "YT XL." The image shows details of the bike's bottom bracket area, including dirt and debris, with parts of the chain and gear also partially visible. The background is blurred, indicating an outdoor setting.
  14
An aluminum mechanical component with intricate details and a circular attachment sits on a bed of twigs and leaves, showcasing its shiny surface and precise engineering.
A person wearing a gray bicycle helmet with reflective sunglasses sits near a serene lake surrounded by greenery. The focus is on the back of their head, highlighting the helmet's design and the tranquil landscape behind them.
  4
An off-road mountain bike with a sleek gray frame, equipped with two thick, knobby tires and a rear suspension system. The bike features a raised seat, handlebars with grips, and a black fork, highlighting its design for durability and performance in rugged terrains.
A scenic landscape featuring rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, with distant mountains partially covered by clouds. The sun is shining through the clouds, casting rays of light across the scene, highlighting the rugged natural beauty of the area.
  5
A mountain biker rides along a dirt trail in a forest with tall, burned trees. Dust is kicked up behind the bike, and patches of green grass are visible on the ground, indicating signs of recovery in the landscape. The sky above is clear, suggesting a bright, sunny day.
A pair of orange bike grips resting on a wooden stump in a natural outdoor setting. The taller grip stands upright, while the shorter one lies horizontally, both showcasing their textured surfaces. Green grass and a blurred background suggest a lush, forested environment.
  5
A person wearing a black long-sleeve shirt is outdoors, holding a bike. They are using a light blue Patagonia waist pack equipped with two water bottles, one black and one red, positioned on either side. The background features greenery, suggesting a natural setting for biking or hiking.
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a mountainous landscape, leaning into a turn with a blue sky and fluffy clouds in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and athletic clothing, showcasing an active outdoor lifestyle.
A person is standing outdoors, wearing a gray plaid button-up shirt over a red henley shirt. They are holding sunglasses in one hand, adjusting the button on their shirt. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting a natural setting.
Close-up of a white bicycle frame, showing two black screws attached to the tube and a red water bottle cap nearby. The background features blurred greenery and natural ground.
  4
A person riding a mountain bike down a rocky trail surrounded by greenery. They are wearing a helmet and sunglasses, and the bike features a front suspension and additional gear on the frame. The scene captures a sense of movement and adventure in an outdoor environment.
  3
A mountain biker navigating a rugged trail through a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and lush green ferns. The rider is airborne, showcasing skill and control as they maneuver over a rough patch of terrain.
  2
A close-up view of a black gear with multiple teeth, surrounded by smaller components including a ring and a washer, all resting on a textured concrete surface. The gear features a central bearing assembly, and the composition highlights the mechanical parts against a neutral background.
Close-up of a hand gripping a black device mounted on a bicycle handlebar, featuring a button and adjustable dial. The background is a natural setting with green foliage and dirt.
  2