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 view of a pair of athletic shoes worn by a person standing on a dirt path, surrounded by greenery. The shoes are light green with gray accents and feature a strap across the midfoot for added support. The person is also wearing black socks.
A black and white photograph of a mountain biker descending a rocky slope in a misty forest, with beams of light filtering through the trees. The image captures a dynamic moment of outdoor adventure, emphasizing the contrast between the shadows of the trees and the bright rays of sunlight.
  4
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.
  1
A compact Sony camera with a Zeiss lens is placed inside a black and orange zippered bag, accompanied by two folded cloths, one red and white striped and the other blue. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky dirt trail, surrounded by greenery and hills under a blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet, gloves, and casual athletic clothing, smiling as they navigate the terrain.
  10
A golden retriever lying on a concrete floor, resting its head on the ground with a calm expression. The background features some storage shelves and wooden doors.
  8
A close-up image of a bike seat and a attached bike bag. The bag is secured with an orange strap and buckle, with the Ortlieb logo visible on the side. The background features blurred natural scenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
A close-up of a hand gripping a black bicycle handlebar, with a focus on the trigger shifter. The hand is partially obscured, showing the skin texture and the black ergonomic shifter component prominently. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  4
A woman in a helmet carrying a mountain bike over her shoulder while hiking along a rocky trail. She is wearing a blue t-shirt, gloves, and a backpack, smiling as she navigates the outdoor terrain, surrounded by lush greenery.
  3
A group of mountain bikers riding in a line across a grassy field, set against a backdrop of trees and hills, captured in black and white.
  10
A blue mountain bike equipped with black storage bags is parked on a trail in a wooded area. The bike features a water bottle holder, a front fender, and a gear mechanism. The surroundings are natural, with trees and undergrowth visible in the background. The bike's components show signs of off-road use, with mud on the tires.
  3
A group of cyclists taking a break outdoors, with one cyclist on the ground inspecting his bike gear. He is wearing a blue cycling jersey and a helmet, while another cyclist stands nearby, partially obscured, wearing a plaid shirt. In the foreground, various cycling equipment and tools are visible on the bikes. The scene is set in a grassy area with trees in the background.
  3
Close-up view of a bike handlebar featuring a bicycle headlight mounted on the left and a gear shifter on the right, with a Garmin device positioned above the camera. The background shows blurred greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
  1
A man wearing a helmet and colorful clothing sits in the driver's seat of a rusted, abandoned car in a forested area. A bicycle rests on top of the car. The scene is surrounded by trees with autumn leaves on the ground under a clear blue sky.
  1
Four images of multi-tools are displayed. The top left shows a compact multi-tool on moss, with various tools extended. The top right features a black tool with a cylindrical shape on a wooden surface. The bottom left displays an open multi-tool with a sleek black design and multiple bits. The bottom right depicts a hand holding a tool kit, with several tool attachments neatly organized in a pouch.
  5
A close-up view of the handlebars and headset of a bright orange mountain bike, featuring a black stem with multiple screws and cables. The bike is set against a cluttered background that includes tools and bike parts, emphasizing a workshop environment.
  1
A close-up image of vibrant yellow daffodil flowers in bloom, set against a softly blurred background of foliage and earth. The flowers display distinct frilled edges and a mix of cup-shaped overlaps, highlighting their bright color and texture.
A variety of refreshments arranged on a concrete surface, including three bottles of Powerade sports drinks in blue, green, and yellow, two packages of frosted donuts labeled "Racetrac," and a soft pretzel in a paper bag. A bicycle tire is visible in the background.
  9
Two mountain bikers wade through shallow water in a forested area, carrying their bicycles overhead. One biker, wearing a helmet and a long-sleeve shirt, is positioned in the foreground, while the second biker, dressed in a checkered shirt, follows behind. The scene is misty, with trees and lush foliage in the background, creating a rugged outdoor atmosphere.
A white sleeping bag laid out on the ground, surrounded by dried leaves and grass, with visible texture and creases on the fabric.
A man standing outdoors, smiling confidently while leaning against a tree. He is wearing a black and white striped polo shirt. The background features green grass and blurred trees, indicating a sunny day.
A brown wooden sign displaying the text "Mountain Bike Trails Open," with a padlock hanging from it, surrounded by greenery.
  8
A blue sleeping pad with an intricate pattern of cut-out squares, resting on a bed of fallen leaves and small green plants. The pad features a valve on one side for inflation and is branded with the name "KLYMIT" near the bottom.
A person sitting on the ground, hunched over with their arms covering their head, next to a bike loaded with camping gear. The scene is set in a rain-drenched forest with fallen leaves and tall trees in the background.
  9
A close-up view of a mountain bike with a black Ortlieb waterproof frame bag attached to the frame, accented by an orange zipper. The bike features a turquoise frame and knobby tires, with a blurred forest background.
A mountain biker riding a red bike down a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and tall trees. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, navigating a rocky path with visible tire tracks on the ground.
A group of four mountain bikers is navigating a rocky trail in a wooded area. One rider, wearing a green helmet and blue shirt, is skillfully maneuvering her bike over a rocky section. Two other bikers, one in a black shirt and the other in a blue helmet, are providing support and encouragement from the side of the trail. The environment is lush with trees and shrubs, highlighting the outdoor adventure setting.
  3
Close-up view of a mountain bike shoe with a cleat, resting on a forest floor. The shoe features a black sole with textured grip and bright yellow accents. In the background, greenery and trees are visible, indicating an outdoor cycling environment.
  14
A cartoon illustration of a young girl wearing a motorcycle helmet with the Red Bull logo, staring intently. Dark, stormy clouds and lightning bolts loom above, creating a dramatic atmosphere. The background features stylized trees and mountains under a moody sky, enhancing the sense of adventure and challenge.
A person riding a fat bike on a snowy trail surrounded by bare trees under a clear blue sky. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and outdoor clothing, with snow visible on the ground.
Two mountain bikers riding through a sagebrush-filled landscape on a dirt trail. One biker, wearing a bright blue jacket and pink shorts, leads the way while the other, dressed in a red shirt and blue pants, follows closely behind. Rocky hills and trees are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
  14
A close-up view of a Bryton GPS device mounted on a bicycle handlebar, displaying a digital map with paths and a nearby water feature. The background shows blurred greenery typical of an outdoor setting.
Close-up view of the drivetrain and pedals of a mountain bike, featuring a dirty black frame, chain, and gears, set against a backdrop of golden grass. The image highlights the intricate components and rugged design of the bike, emphasizing its use for outdoor adventures.
  7
A person in a blue shirt and black shorts is riding a mountain bike over a leaf-covered trail in a wooded area. The scene features trees and a path visible in the background, suggesting an outdoor biking adventure during the fall or winter season.
  3
A person performing a workout in a gym, using a barbell in a low push position. The environment features gym equipment, including a kettlebell in the foreground and climbing ropes in the background, conveying an active and focused atmosphere. The image is presented in black and white, emphasizing the intensity of the scene.
  12
A person standing on a trail in a forested area, wearing a green and black plaid shirt and dark pants. Their hands are tucked in their pockets, and they are wearing outdoor shoes. The background features greenery and scattered leaves along the path.
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A scenic view of mountains silhouetted against a vibrant sunset, with lush green fields in the foreground. The sky displays hues of orange, pink, and blue, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
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A person riding a mountain bike jumps off a dirt ramp in a lush green landscape under a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The rider is wearing a bright orange helmet and a teal shirt, showcasing an action-packed moment in outdoor cycling.
  7
A mountain biker navigates rocky terrain while competing in a race. Spectators watch from the side, surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks. The biker wears a helmet and sunglasses, and the bicycle features a race number.
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, with another cyclist visible in the background. The scene captures the thrill of outdoor biking in a forested area.
  6
Aerial view of a forested area featuring winding bike trails and a pump track with green and black features, surrounded by a rural landscape with fields and scattered houses in the background. Harstad Bike Park mountain bike trail.
A collage featuring three outdoor scenes: on the left, a man smiles while holding a corgi dog inside a utility vehicle; in the center, a cyclist is captured mid-jump on a dirt trail during a mountain biking event; on the right, a silhouette of a cyclist rides against a vibrant sunset backdrop.
A group of mountain bikers dressed in colorful jackets and helmets celebrating together on a wooded trail covered in brown leaves. Some are posing with their bikes, while others raise their hands in excitement. The scene is set in a misty, damp environment, highlighting the camaraderie and joy of outdoor cycling.
  7
A person riding a red mountain bike along a grassy path near a pond, surrounded by tall grass and trees in the background during sunset.
A mountain biker falls near the edge of a steep, rocky trail while others watch from above, with a blue race barrier prominently displayed. The ocean can be seen in the background under a clear sky, and the scene captures the excitement and intensity of a mountain biking event.
  6
A person wearing a black and blue mountain biking helmet and a long-sleeve shirt with the text "ENDURO MTB TRAINING!" stands outdoors. The background features reddish rocky terrain, suggesting a mountain biking location. The individual appears focused and is looking off to the side. They are carrying a hydration pack.
Close-up image of a bicycle crankset and chainring, showcasing the intricate design and gear details, set against a blurred green grass background.
  14
A focused technician is inspecting and adjusting a high-performance bicycle while a cyclist is positioned on the bike. The technician is wearing a gray shirt and black gloves, looking attentively at the cyclist's posture. The image highlights the detailed mechanics of the bicycle and the collaboration between the technician and the cyclist.