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
 
  3
Two cyclists are seen in a racing setup. One cyclist, wearing a patriotic jersey with stars and stripes, is seated on a mountain bike with a race number 9 attached. He is focused and engaged in conversation with a person in a dark shirt, who appears to be providing guidance or support. The background features dark tents and equipment typical of a cycling event.
A view of a bicycle shop featuring a row of various bicycles displaying different colors and styles. The photo shows bicycles lined up in the foreground with several more hanging on the walls in the background. A portion of a sales counter is visible, with bike accessories and parts displayed prominently. Natural light is coming through a window, illuminating the space.
  9
A red gravel bike positioned on a leaf-covered dirt path, surrounded by trees in a wooded area. The bike features drop handlebars and thick tires suitable for off-road riding. Soft sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A close-up view of a mountain bike tire as it navigates over rocky terrain in a forested area. The background features lush greenery and various sizes of rocks scattered along the trail. The image captures a sense of motion and adventure.
  2
A group of people is seated in a bike shop during a presentation. A woman in a red vest stands in the foreground, smiling and holding a notebook while speaking to the audience. The background features bicycles and bike parts on the walls, along with shelves and storage units filled with tools and accessories. The audience consists of a diverse group of individuals, some sitting cross-legged on the floor, engaged and listening attentively.
A mountain bike is stored vertically on a wooden wall-mounted bike rack, showcasing its front wheel and handlebars. The bike is black with an orange accent on the front fork. A black strap hangs beside the bike, securing it to the wall. The backdrop features a warm-toned wooden panel, emphasizing a modern and organized storage solution for biking equipment.
  27
A mountain biker in a red shirt and helmet catches air while jumping over a dirt ramp in a wooded area, surrounded by tall pine trees and a trail covered with dry leaves.
  5
A black and teal mountain bike positioned against a bright yellow background, showcasing its sturdy frame and large knobby tires designed for off-road performance. The bike features a dual suspension system and a prominent brand logo on the frame.
  4
Image of two purple bicycle pedals lying on a textured surface, surrounded by dried leaves. The pedals feature a metal spring mechanism and a geometric design, indicating they are designed for clipless cycling.
  1
Two mountain bikers navigate a dirt trail through a lush green landscape, surrounded by fog and palm trees. The scene captures the essence of outdoor adventure in a misty, tropical environment. One biker, wearing a helmet and riding gear, is focused on the path ahead, while the other trails behind, slightly obscured by foliage.
  10
A cyclist navigating a rugged trail through a forested area, with a focus on the bike's tire and the uneven, dusty ground. Lush green trees and blue sky with scattered clouds are in the background.
  1
A mountain bike parked on the edge of a riverbank, surrounded by greenery and natural debris. The bike features thick tires and a water bottle attached to its frame. The calm water reflects the lush trees in the background, creating a serene outdoor scene.
  5
Close-up of a mountain bike's seat and frame in a lush green forest setting, featuring a black Ergon saddle and a bright blue frame with a visible water bottle holder.
  6
A close-up view of an open camping sleeping bag laid on the ground, featuring a blue exterior and a gray interior. Surrounding the bag is a natural setting with dry leaves and grass. The sleeping bag's zipper and mesh areas are visible, indicating it's designed for outdoor use.
  4
A smiling man in a workshop holds a bicycle wheel and a tool, wearing a black apron over a light blue shirt. The background features various bicycle repair tools and equipment, with natural light streaming in from a window.
A person wearing a black helmet and a green and black neck warmer smiles for a selfie in a snowy landscape with trees in the background. The scene captures a bright winter day.
  3
A young rider performs a mid-air trick on a mountain bike, with a scenic backdrop of ocean and hills. Another cyclist is seen in the foreground, showcasing their bike's wheel, as the sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow over the scene.
  1
Close-up view of a sleek, metallic bicycle frame showing detailed welding, cable routing, and a charger port on the fork crown. The background is softly blurred with greenery, emphasizing the bike's features.
  13
Close-up of a bicycle handlebar with Shimano gear shift levers, set against a backdrop of tall grass and trees under a blue sky.
  4
A close-up image of a cyclist wearing a black mountain biking helmet and sunglasses. The background features soft, blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor environment. The cyclist is focused and appears to be preparing for a ride.
A coach giving feedback to a cyclist in a training environment. The cyclist, seen from the back, is wearing a team jersey featuring the names "Soudal" and "Quick-Step." The coach is gesturing with his hands and appears engaged in conversation, offering a thumbs-up in encouragement.
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire labeled "MINION DHF" with specifications including size 29x2.30 and 60 PSI, attached to a fork with gold and black components. The background features a blurred natural landscape with trees and a body of water.
  6
A mountain bike propped against a wall, showcasing its white frame, large tires, and various components like a shock absorber and water bottle holder. The background features a neutral-colored wall and a window with a sheer curtain, along with another bike visible in the lower part of the image.
  3
Close-up view of an adjustable shock component on a mountain bike, featuring a black and blue design with visible adjustment knobs and wires. The image captures the detail of the shock's interface against a blurred background of natural outdoor elements.
  7
A mountain biker in a bright yellow and black outfit falls onto the ground, surrounded by a cloud of dust. The bike is upside down, with one wheel in the air, as debris scatters around the scene.
  2
A bustling outdoor event showcasing bicycles, with various branded tents and flags lining a gravel pathway. Attendees can be seen exploring the displays and interacting with vendors, while bicycles are parked along the sides. The scene is set against a backdrop of trees and a cloudy sky.
  7
Close-up view of a bicycle's front fork and tire, showcasing a textured, knobby tire designed for off-road terrain. The shiny red frame of the bike contrasts with the grassy background, highlighting the bike's robust construction and readiness for adventure.
A young mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by tall purple flowers, wearing a helmet and protective gear. The cyclist is focused and leaning forward as they ride through a vibrant, lush landscape.
  1
A mountain biker in a helmet and protective gear jumping off a small ramp on a dirt trail surrounded by trees and foliage. The rider appears focused and is mid-air, capturing the action and excitement of mountain biking.
  14
Close-up of a mint-green bicycle frame featuring a logo on the head tube, with black cables running down from the handlebars. The background is filled with fallen autumn leaves.
  40
A person riding a bicycle on a dirt road, with a surprised expression, under a dramatic sky filled with dark clouds. The surrounding landscape features open fields and distant mountains.
  27
A mechanic inspects and repairs a burgundy bicycle, focusing on the drivetrain and rear wheel. Tools and bike equipment are visible in the background, indicating a professional bike maintenance or repair setting.
  6
Close-up image of a bicycle's brake system, featuring a black brake caliper labeled "dominion T4" attached to a turquoise frame. The brake lines and part of the rotor are visible in the background, showcasing the mechanical components of the bike.
  1
A young boy wearing a black helmet and a blue shirt rides a bicycle on a skate park ramp. He smiles and appears to be enjoying his ride, with a mix of brown foliage in the background. The skate park features various graffiti and concrete surfaces.
Close-up of a mountain bike tire with the brand name "Forekaster" prominently displayed. The tire shows noticeable tread patterns and is mounted on a bike frame, with a blurred forest background featuring autumn foliage. The tire specifications, including size and pressure, are also visible.
  7
A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, lined with trees and scattered with autumn leaves. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating dappled light on the ground.
  10
Alt tag: Side view of a green Bontrager cycling shoe with a black and orange sole, featuring a Boa dial closure and perforated detailing.
  1
A close-up view of a bicycle frame, focusing on the connection point where two frame tubes meet. The frame has a smooth, light-colored finish, with a visible adjustment dial labeled "LOW" and "HIGH." In the background, soft greenery is blurred, indicating an outdoor setting.
  8
A close-up image of a coffee packaging labeled "Hiker's Brew Coffee" resting in the pocket of a bicycle's handlebar bag. The packaging features brewing instructions for different methods such as French Press and Pour Over, along with details highlighting sustainability. The blurred background shows natural terrain, hinting at an outdoor setting.
  3
A rocky trail winding through a forest, surrounded by bare trees and scattered stones. The landscape is devoid of foliage, revealing a rugged terrain under a clear blue sky.
A black and white image of a group of mountain bikers gathered on a trail surrounded by trees. Three cyclists are prominently featured in the foreground; one is sitting on a bike, while the others stand beside their bikes engaged in conversation. The scene captures a moment of camaraderie among cyclists in a natural outdoor setting.
  4
A close-up image of a piece of cardboard with handwritten measurements and markings. The cardboard is laid over a black surface, with a metallic ruler positioned above it. Two circular marks with a cross inside are visible on the cardboard, along with some scribbled notes indicating measurements, including "4½ 11mm." A black Sharpie marker is also partially visible in the foreground.
  3
A flat lay image featuring four items related to outdoor gear maintenance: a bottle of Nikwax Softshell Proof waterproofing spray, a tube of Shoe Goo for shoe repair, a stick of zipper lubricant, and a small piece of paper with a grid pattern. The items are positioned on a dark, wet surface, scattered with leaves.
  1
A metal sign displaying a trail map and open trail names, including "Fireline," "Cease & Desist," "Drop the Hammer," "Thunderdome," and "Family Flow," in a scenic outdoor area with trees and a path leading to a bridge.
A diagram illustrating the geometry of a mountain bike frame, with labeled measurements including Effective Top Tube (ETT), Reach, Head Tube Angle (HTA), Stack, Seat Tube Angle (STA), Chainstay, Bottom Bracket Height, and Wheelbase. The frame is depicted in a simplified silhouette format.
  12
Black waterproof boots featuring a high top design, BOA tightening system, and a rugged sole, placed on a snowy surface with dry grass in the background.
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