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
 
Two cartoon characters are standing beside their mountain bikes on a trail surrounded by greenery. One character, wearing a red shirt and blue jeans, is riding a red bike. The other character, in a yellow and blue shirt and shorts, is on a gray bike. They are engaged in conversation, with the quote, "The upshot to these thin gloves is they're also biodegradable," displayed below them.
  1
A detailed park layout map of X Adventure Quarry, featuring various paths and facilities including an exhibition area, obstacle running course, and areas designated for mountain biking (MTB) and RC cars. The map highlights different terrains such as mountains and desert, with marked paths, obstacles, and directional indicators for visitors. Scale and distance indicators are included for navigation. XQuarry Adventure Park mountain bike trail.
A person riding a mountain bike through a stream in a forested area, with sunlight streaming through the trees, creating a bright and vibrant atmosphere. Water splashes around the bike, highlighting the outdoor adventure.
  1
A mountain biker in a red shirt and helmet navigates a rocky trail in a forested area, airborne over a large boulder with trees and autumn foliage in the background.
Close-up view of a bicycle chain and crankset set against a green, grassy background. The image highlights the shiny metal links of the chain, a textured pedal, and part of the bike's frame, showcasing the intricate details of the bike's drivetrain components.
  3
A bright blue mountain bike is positioned in a grassy area surrounded by trees. The bike features a black front fork and brown tires, with a sleek design that highlights its durability for off-road riding. The background showcases a natural setting with green pine trees and golden grass under a clear sky.
  17
A cyclist poses with a sign that reads "Deadman Hill, Elevation 10,269 Feet," surrounded by trees in a forested area. The bicycle is parked next to the sign, and the cyclist is making a peace sign with one hand while smiling at the camera.
  1
Close-up of a Shimano Deore XT brake caliper mounted on a blue bicycle frame, featuring intricate mechanical details and a visible disc brake rotor in the background.
  6
A cartoon illustration of a man in a red shirt standing in a bike shop, pondering between different mountain bikes on display. The bikes are various colors, and a sign in the background promotes a sale. A humorous text at the bottom reads, "Light weight, durability, and low price: Pick 2."
  3
A group of search and rescue team members in yellow shirts gather around a map at a campsite, discussing strategy. Some team members are wearing masks, and a dog is sitting nearby. The atmosphere is focused and collaborative as they plan their response efforts.
A person on a mountain bike is looking out over a scenic landscape featuring a large body of water, rolling hills, and a blue sky with wispy clouds. The individual is wearing a helmet and a green plaid shirt, and has a gray backpack. The view includes sandy areas and distant mountains, showcasing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
  1
A silver mountain bike with a sleek frame and wide tires, resting on a bed of colorful leaves in a dense forest. The bike features detailed components, including a suspension system and a prominent brand logo. Surrounding vegetation adds a natural background to the scene.
  9
A close-up view of a person's hand gripping the handlebar of a mountain bike, showcasing the brake lever and orange grip. The background features a forest floor with fallen leaves.
  4
A mountain biker navigating over a large rock in a wooded area, with leaf-covered ground and trees in the background. The biker is positioned with weight forward, indicating motion and skill as they tackle the rocky terrain.
A person standing next to a mountain bike in an outdoor setting, smiling and wearing a short-sleeved, patterned shirt and shorts. They have tattoos visible on their arms and are wearing glasses and a cap. The background features greenery and an open space with a slightly overcast sky.
  1
Sign detailing that the trails are maintained by volunteers from Flagler Area Biking SORBA, encouraging donations and participation. The sign includes a logo and QR code, with nearby road signs indicating a one-way direction and the name "Hoot Owl." Lush greenery surrounds the sign.
  1
A gravel bike parked on a dirt path surrounded by tall grass. The bike features a light frame with red and black accents, and it has two water bottles attached to the frame. The scene is set in a natural landscape, highlighting the bike's suitability for off-road riding.
Map of Chattahoochee Bend State Park's mountain bike trails, featuring color-coded loops: East Loop (yellow), Mid Loop (orange), Campground Loop (red), and West Loop (blue). The map outlines the central and western zones of the park and includes a donation call to support local biking initiatives.
A scenic view of a rugged landscape featuring grassy terrain and shrubs, with a backdrop of mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground includes tall grasses and a barbed wire fence, highlighting the natural beauty of the area.
Close-up of a bicycle wheel rim with a wooden edge and a black hub, set against a background of brown and green foliage. The rim features the "Deore XT" logo.
  13
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a lush forest, riding a blue bike with a helmet. The scene captures the rider in motion, skillfully maneuvering around a tree amidst the uneven terrain and greenery.
A mountain biker performs an impressive jump over a bar during a competition, with a crowd of spectators closely watching in anticipation. The scene includes a mix of excited onlookers, some wearing helmets and sunglasses, while others hold drinks and cameras. Colorful flags and tents are visible in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
A mountain biker in a blue jersey and black shorts rides rapidly on a purple bike through a grassy landscape, with motion blur conveying speed.
  1
A person's hands holding two different types of soil: on the left, dark, rich soil with visible organic matter and roots, and on the right, lighter, sandy soil with a dry appearance. The background features green grass and natural vegetation.
A mountain bike parked on a rocky outcrop overlooking a scenic mountainous landscape. The bike features a green frame with colorful purple and gold accents, large knobby tires, and is positioned on a dirt trail surrounded by dry grass and rocks. The sky is partly cloudy, enhancing the outdoor atmosphere.
  13
A cartoon illustration of a cyclist in a red shirt and yellow hip pack riding a mountain bike down a rocky trail surrounded by mountains. The caption reads, "The hip pack: Works great on the trail, looks nerdy at the bar." The background features a blue sky and stylized green bushes.
  5
A man and a woman wearing cycling gear stand beside their mountain bikes, overlooking a scenic landscape of mountains and a beach at sunset. The man points out a view in the distance while the woman looks towards it, both appearing to enjoy a moment of camaraderie in nature.
Two mountain bikes mounted on a Yakima bike rack attached to the rear of a vehicle. The bike in the foreground features a vibrant pink frame with black and yellow tires, while the bike in the background has a more subdued color. The scene is set in a parking lot with trees in the background and a clear sky above.
  3
A cartoon depicting two men standing beside a mountain bike with a cushioned armchair attached as the seat. One man, wearing a red shirt and a baseball cap, is smiling, while the other, in a yellow shirt, looks on with an amused expression. The background features a scenic trail surrounded by trees and mountains. The caption reads, "I finally found a comfortable saddle."
A young man with blond hair is seated next to a bicycle, wearing a black hoodie with the word "SICK!" printed on the front and a light blue cap with a logo. He is leaning against a metallic surface, looking thoughtfully into the distance. The background features gray industrial structures and a hint of an outdoor area.
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.
  5
A humorous cartoon depicting a boy sitting on the ground holding a piece of paper, looking anxious as a tall person on a bicycle prepares to jump. The tall person, wearing a helmet and a red shirt, says, "Hang on, I'm about to land this jump." The background includes a brick house and a green lawn.
  3
A close-up view of a bike's handlebar with a GPS device displaying a map. The screen shows a detailed route overlay with an elevation of 12,000 feet indicated. The background features green grass, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  14
Signage at the main entrance to Hanmer Forest Tracks, displaying information about nearby walking and biking trails. The sign is surrounded by trees and features a map of the area. An individual in a blue shirt can be seen in the background, possibly preparing to explore the tracks. Hanmer Forest mountain bike trail.
A mechanic wearing a mask is focused on repairing a bicycle in an outdoor workshop setting. Tools and bike parts are visible on a table behind him, with additional bicycles parked nearby. The backdrop includes a blue van and a white truck under a clear sky.
Two people work in a wooded area, with one person kneeling and using a tool on the ground while the other stands in the background. A tree trunk with moss and a green ribbon attached is in the foreground, and the scene is bathed in natural sunlight.
  4
Alt text: A colorful graphic featuring the phrase "The More You Know" with a rainbow effect on a gradient yellow and green background. On the right, a smartphone screen displays an image of a pumpkin and the app icon for "singletracks" at the top, along with status icons at the top.
A forest scene featuring three decorated bicycles beside Christmas trees adorned with ornaments and garlands, set against a backdrop of trees and a stone wall. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and the atmosphere appears overcast and misty. Village Park/ Abrams Rock mountain bike trail.
  3
Close-up of a bicycle cassette and chain, featuring gleaming metallic gears and a turquoise frame component, with a focus on the intricate details of the chain links and sprocket design.
  2
Screenshot of the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition (VVCC) webpage, featuring an overview of the organization, a map of the Verde Valley area in Arizona, and a section highlighting top donors for December. There is a button for making a one-time donation with different amount options. The background gradually transitions from orange to white.
  1
Two mountain bikers navigate a dirt trail surrounded by sparse vegetation. One rider, in a blue shirt, can be seen pedaling energetically in the background, while the other, wearing a turquoise shirt and a helmet, leans forward on their bike, focusing on the path ahead. The scene captures a sunny day with a clear blue sky.
  59
A humorous cartoon depicting a man in a yellow shirt and a black helmet climbing a steep hill while carrying a mountain bike. The scene features green pine trees in the foreground and a clear blue sky in the background. The caption at the bottom reads, "Now the bike rides Jim."
Alt text: Diagram of a "Speedring Junior" pump track design, showing dimensions of 12.4 meters by 4.4 meters, with a colorful layout including sections in green, pink, and black. Includes details on development area, number of modules, total materials, linear development meters, estimated construction time, and total cost.
A mobile screen displaying the Singletracks website, featuring a mountain biking path with greenery and dirt. Options to "Get Directions," "Add a Photo," and "Check In" are visible at the bottom, along with the website logo and time at the top of the screen.
  1
A person wearing a helmet and protective gear uses a chainsaw to cut a large log on a construction site. Dust and wood shavings fly into the air as they work, with a trailer and equipment visible in the background on a grassy, uneven terrain.
  1
A man wearing a black helmet and sunglasses stands in a wooded area, dressed in a green and black checkered flannel shirt over a blue t-shirt. The background features soft-focus greenery, suggesting an outdoor environment.
  1
A backpack with a divided interior showing neatly rolled clothing items in various colors, alongside a turquoise bicycle helmet. The compartments are organized, highlighting the practical use of space for storage.
  7