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 image of a smartphone mounted on a bike handlebar, showcasing a unique attachment mechanism against a backdrop of trees and greenery. The phone features a green case and is positioned at an angle to highlight its camera and mounting system.
  1
A cyclist expertly navigates a winding mountain bike trail through a lush forest, showcasing a vibrant pink bike. The rider is focused, wearing a helmet and casual sports attire, as they maneuver around natural obstacles like fallen trees and rocky terrain, surrounded by greenery and dappled sunlight.
A person in a helmet and cycling gear performing a jump on a mountain bike above a bike stand. The rider is airborne, with the bike slightly tilted, showcasing a dynamic biking maneuver.
  1
A crowd of excited spectators gathered outdoors, many holding up their phones and cameras to capture the moment. Some individuals are holding a blue and white flag, while others are cheering and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The backdrop features trees and a blue sky, creating a vibrant setting for the event.
  1
A rocky trail leading through a lush, green forest, flanked by moss-covered stone walls and a variety of trees. The pathway is uneven and lined with large, jagged rocks, creating a natural, rugged landscape in a misty atmosphere.
  28
A man with long hair and glasses is working on a bicycle frame in a workshop. He is wearing a green sweatshirt with "YETI CYCLES" printed on it and a black cap. The workspace features various bike repair tools and equipment in the background.
  1
A sign indicating an "Alternate Line" on a forest trail, with an arrow pointing to the right. The background features green trees and foliage, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.
  3
A close-up view of a mountain bike showing its muddy rear tire and frame, highlighting the dirt accumulation after a ride. The bike is positioned near a wooden fence, with a water bottle and gear bag attached to its frame, and a glimpse of the handlebars partially visible in the foreground.
  5
A smiling cyclist wearing a helmet and a blue long-sleeve shirt is taking a selfie in a grassy area with a scenic view of rolling hills and a clear sky in the background.
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A close-up of a wrist wearing a smartwatch, displaying activity data including floors climbed and total elevation. The background is a blurred green foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting. The watch features a dark face with colorful metrics visible, and a striped fabric band.
Close-up view of a yellow mountain bike's drivetrain, featuring a SRAM XX1 crankset with a silver chainring, chain, and pedal. The bike frame shows detail in its design and construction, with a blurred green background suggesting an outdoor setting.
  3
A small white drone flying over a lush green path surrounded by trees, capturing aerial views of the landscape.
  3
A mountain bike positioned on a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and ferns in a forested area. The bike features a sleek design with a muted color scheme and prominent suspension components, showcasing its suitability for off-road riding.
  7
A close-up view of a silver mechanical part, possibly a bicycle derailleur or a similar component, set against a black metal grid surface. The part features intricate designs, showcasing gears and levers, with bolts and a sleek metallic finish.
  3
Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub with spokes radiating outward, set against a blurred natural background. The hub features a black and silver design, showcasing the details of the connection points where the spokes meet.
  2
Close-up of a mountain bike tire featuring a rugged tread pattern, showcasing its textured surface and design tailored for off-road traction. The background is out of focus, highlighting the tire against a blurred natural setting.
Crowd gathered at a biking event in the Tweed Valley, with mountains in the background. A large screen displays event information, and tents are set up nearby. The atmosphere is lively, with spectators enjoying the scenic outdoors.
  1
A mountain biker in an orange shirt performs a jump off a rocky outcrop, kicking up dust as they soar through the air. Tall trees and a clear blue sky provide a picturesque backdrop.
  1
Entrance fee station sign located in a wooded area, displaying text in English and Spanish. The sign lists various entrance fees and payment methods for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Nearby structures include fee deposit boxes and informational boards, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
  28
Close-up of a bicycle crankset and pedal on a grassy surface, highlighting the chain, gear, and a multi-tool attached to the crank. The bike features a turquoise frame and shows signs of wear and dirt, suggesting outdoor use.
  3
Close-up of a mountain bike tire with the label "PURGATORY GRIDTRAIL T7," set against a blurred background of a green, natural landscape.
  4
Close-up view of a bicycle frame, highlighting a section with a patented component labeled "dualink+" and various identification numbers. The background shows hints of grass, indicating an outdoor setting.
  3
A close-up view of a gray waterproof bag with the text "showers pass" visible, partially unzipped to show a black portable battery charger inside. The bag is secured with a strap, and colorful pink hydrangea flowers are blurred in the background, enhancing the natural setting.
  7
Close-up of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, showcasing the GRX branding on the derailleur and a detailed view of the gear teeth and chain.
A close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring a water bottle holder by REI Co-op, with a water bottle inserted. The background shows a lush, green forest, indicating an outdoor setting. The handlebar also displays gear shift and brake components.
A mountain biker in an orange helmet and goggles navigates rocky terrain near a small waterfall, carrying their bike over the stones. Lush greenery surrounds the area, providing a natural backdrop.
  16
A person is jumping a mountain bike over an obstacle in a grassy field during a biking event or training session. Several other riders and participants are visible in the background, with trees and a clear sky. Colorful markers are placed on the ground to guide the bikers in their activities.
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  11
A woman with long dark hair smiles while standing in a kitchen. She is wearing a pink sleeveless sweater and holding an avocado in one hand while an assortment of fresh vegetables, including lettuce and onions, is in a large bowl in front of her. The kitchen features wooden cabinets and a countertop with various other ingredients displayed.
A person riding a mountain bike down a rocky, forested trail, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. The rider is wearing a helmet and sunglasses, focused on navigating the terrain.
  3
A close-up view of a black bicycle cog assembly placed on a wooden workbench, surrounded by bicycle chain links and tools. The cog features an intricate design with openings that give it a lightweight appearance, highlighting its mechanical details.
  17
A close-up view of a pair of black cycling shoes with a Boa closure system, showing some dirt and wear. The shoes feature Velcro straps and small branding details, with a concrete surface in the background.
Two SRAM GX derailleur components are displayed on a wooden surface. The black components feature intricate designs, including multiple gears and a distinctive branding logo. The sunlight highlights the shapes and textures of the parts.
  11
A modern mountain bike with a gray frame, featuring a high-performance suspension system, wide tires, and a sleek design, positioned on a grassy trail in a lush, wooded area.
  81
A mountain biker navigates a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant fall foliage, wearing protective gear and a blue jersey, while leaning into a turn on their turquoise bike.
A man wearing a black helmet and sleeveless shirt is sitting on the ground in a grassy outdoor area, holding a green water bottle. He appears to be taking a break from biking, with tall grass and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
  14
Mountain biking in a scenic forest trail with autumn foliage. Three cyclists navigate a winding path covered in fallen leaves, surrounded by trees that highlight the vibrant colors of the season. The image features a title at the top: "Mountain Bike Trail Development: Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process."
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear cassette and chain, showcasing detailed gear teeth and a portion of the bike's frame. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A collection of multi-tools and accessories laid out on a concrete surface, including a tire lever, an L-shaped hex key, a small multi-tool, and a mini screwdriver, surrounded by small bits of debris like leaves and twigs.
  1
Close-up of a mountain bike rear derailleur mounted on a cassette and chain, set against a blurred green background of grass and trees. The derailleur is black with a silver label, and the cassette features a series of interlocking metallic gears. The bike's tire is partially visible in the corner.
  15
Alt text: Close-up of a vibrant pink bicycle frame featuring a playful white rabbit sticker on the head tube, with a blurred wooden fence and grass in the background.
A man standing in a lush green forest, wearing sunglasses and an orange t-shirt paired with blue shorts. He is looking off into the distance, surrounded by trees and foliage. The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant, natural backdrop.
  15
Close-up of a SRAM shift lever mounted on a mountain bike handlebar, featuring textured buttons and a patterned grip, with a blurred background of natural terrain.
  38
A person wearing a gray hoodie, shorts, and protective gear is lifting a mountain bike over a colorful biking trail feature. The scene is set in a wooded area with green trees in the background, and a trail map is visible behind them. The individual has braided hair and is wearing sunglasses and a helmet.
A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by shrubs and trees in a sunny outdoor setting. The terrain is dry with scattered branches and plants, showcasing a natural landscape. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and cycling attire.
  2
Close-up of a mountain bike tire, featuring the "Minion DHR II" model with dimensions of 27.5 x 2.40 WT and a recommended pressure of 50 PSI. The tire is detailed with visible tread patterns and surrounded by a natural green background.
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A close-up view of a person's feet wearing sporty shoes on a dirt path, with the ground showing signs of dust and footprints. The person is dressed in shorts, and the scene suggests outdoor activity or hiking.
  13
A smartphone displaying the time and date, alongside two cycling devices with screens showing distance, average speed, and other metrics, all placed on a wooden surface.
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