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 in bright green and black cycling gear navigates a trail, focusing intently as they ride uphill. A blurred cyclist is seen in the background, also on a mountain bike. The scene is set in a lush, green landscape, showcasing the competitive atmosphere of a trail biking event.
  1
A close-up image of a syringe filled with a blue liquid, positioned upright on the handlebar of a bicycle. The background features a blurred, light-colored gradient.
  6
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire with a blue logo, showing the tread pattern and dirt on the surface, set against a blurred dirt path in the background.
A cartoon scene depicting two adults with mountain bikes standing on a dirt path, watching a child in a yellow shirt performing a wheelie in the air on a bike. The background features rolling hills, trees, and a blue sky with clouds. The caption reads, "My kid is teaching me how to wheelie."
Close-up view of a mountain bike's rear wheel, showcasing the tire tread, mud guard, and a portion of the bike's red frame. Raindrops are visible on the mud guard and frame, suggesting wet conditions. The background is blurred, emphasizing the bike components.
A green sign labeled "TRAIL HEAD" stands among lush green foliage and trees, indicating the entrance to a hiking trail.
  4
A cartoon depicting four mountain bikers on a trail, surrounded by trees and mountains. One biker, wearing a yellow and black striped shirt, looks at his watch as he prepares to ride. The others are patiently waiting on their bikes. A humorous speech bubble from the striped biker reads, "Ready to roll in a minute, I just need to wait for my GPS, seatpost, derailleur, earbuds and pump to charge up."
  2
A cyclist wearing a helmet and goggles is positioned on their bicycle, gripping the handlebars with determination. The background features lush greenery and a rail, suggesting an outdoor setting. The cyclist has visible tattoos on their arms and is dressed in a short-sleeve shirt.
  6
A close-up of the soles of two sneakers resting on a wooden surface, surrounded by greenery. The sneakers are primarily gray with blue laces and feature a honeycomb-patterned sole. A child's leg, partially visible, is wearing a blue sock.
A person sitting at a desk with a computer, focused on designing or modeling projects. The workspace features two monitors displaying technical drawings, along with various tools such as a ruler and caliper on the desk. A lamp and colorful stationery are visible, creating a creative work environment. The individual is wearing a shirt with the word "REDBURN" printed on the back.
A mountain biker riding a red bike on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and ferns, wearing a helmet and sunglasses. The cyclist is in a crouched position, showcasing focus and agility as he navigates through the forested area.
  11
A close-up view of a black rubber strip resting on the ground, surrounded by green grass and earthy soil. The strip is slightly curved and textured, indicating it may be used as a protective or decorative element in landscaping or outdoor projects.
  11
A child with a raised hand sits in an audience, eagerly participating in a music performance on stage. Several musicians are seated in front of a decorated background, featuring colorful autumn leaves. The atmosphere is lively and engaging, with other children watching attentively.
A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, showcasing an action pose. The scene is bright and sunny, with trees and grass in the background.
A white SUV parked on a dirt road, towing a small trailer with two bicycles mounted on top. The trailer has a logo on it and is labeled with the word "STOLEN" in large red letters. In the background, there are trees and a house visible.
  2
A collage featuring five images related to biking: 

1. A competitive mountain biker in action during a race, showcasing intense focus and speed.
2. A man holding a bicycle wheel and looking directly at the camera, set against a forest backdrop.
3. Two men standing outside on a sunny day, casually dressed and posing together.
4. A mountain biker riding on a sandy slope, demonstrating skill and balance.
5. A smiling man with a helmet and smudged face, looking directly at the camera, surrounded by greenery.
  1
A cartoon depicting two characters having a conversation on a mountain biking trail. One character is wearing a yellow shirt and the other is in a blue shirt with a helmet, standing next to a red mountain bike. In the background, there are mountains and pine trees visible under a clear blue sky. The dialogue below them humorously discusses bike features and weight.
  4
A panoramic view of a mountainous landscape featuring several mountain bikers riding along a trail in the foreground, surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills, under a partly cloudy sky.
  2
A cyclist stands confidently against a brick wall, wearing a long-sleeved jersey that features a gradient of red to white, adorned with various sponsor logos. He holds a black and white helmet in his right hand and poses with a serious expression.
Two bicycle brake rotors are displayed on a rocky surface, showcasing their intricate design with a combination of metal and black components. The background features greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
  2
Cartoon depicting three cyclists standing with their bikes, looking up at a ski lift in a mountainous landscape. A large red canopy is visible in the background, and the scene is vibrant with green trees and blue sky. The caption at the bottom reads, "The most frightening part of the ride."
  1
A vibrant fat bike featuring a gradient color scheme that transitions from deep purple to bright pink. The bike has wide, knobby tires designed for off-road terrain, and a modern frame with a sleek design. Ideal for winter or rugged outdoor riding, the bike is positioned against a light gray background.
A close-up view of a hand holding a digital caliper measuring the width of a muddy bicycle tire. The caliper displays a measurement of 59.92 millimeters. The background shows a blurred interior space with a tiled floor.
A scenic view of a winding dirt path bordered by vibrant greenery, featuring a mix of leaves in shades of green and yellow. A striking blue flower stands out among the foliage, with a background of rocky terrain and sparse trees. The landscape suggests a natural, outdoor setting, possibly near a coastal area.
  4
A mountain biker riding down a rocky trail, kicking up dust with a scenic mountainous landscape in the background. The rider is wearing a black helmet and cycling gear, demonstrating dynamic movement and skill as they navigate the terrain.
A group of mountain bikers racing on a dusty trail, surrounded by trees and a few spectators in the background. The riders are wearing colorful jerseys and helmets, showcasing determination as they maneuver through the course. Dust is kicked up around them, highlighting the intensity of the competition.
A black bicycle fork against a solid purple background, showcasing its sleek design and branding on the side.
Black bike pedal with a copper-colored top edge, featuring a large "P" logo and multiple screws, set against a light yellow background.
Group of eight individuals, including children and adults, standing together outdoors with bicycles. They are smiling and wearing helmets, surrounded by trees in a sunny setting. Some are casually dressed, and there is a mix of clothing styles among the group.
A close-up view of a bicycle's handlebars with multiple devices mounted on them, including smartphones and GPS units. A person is holding one of the handlebars while riding on a leaf-strewn path, showcasing a blend of technology and outdoor activity.
  9
Two individuals are actively working on a dirt surface, using a motorized tool. One person, in the foreground, is pulling a rope connected to the tool, while the second person, in the background, is operating it. Dust is being kicked up around them, and lush greenery is visible in the background, indicating an outdoor setting. Both individuals are dressed in casual work attire and appear focused on their task.
A map of mountain bike trails in Nitmiluk National Park, featuring various routes for riders of all skill levels. The map includes trail names, difficulty levels, parking areas, and safety reminders. It emphasizes the importance of planning your route and being prepared while enjoying the trails.
A blue mountain bike is positioned on a bed of straw, showcasing its sleek frame and large knobby tires. The bike features a front suspension fork and is set against a wooden backdrop with some potted cacti in the background.
  1
A Garmin device displaying performance metrics, featuring a message that says "Great Jump!" along with statistics for distance (3.1), hang time (0.35), and speed (32.0). The background is a solid turquoise color.
Close-up of a mountain bike wheel resting on a rocky surface, surrounded by grass and dirt. The image features a yellow logo in the bottom right corner.
  2
Close-up of a bicycle frame featuring a striking pattern in black and metallic gold, set against a dark background. The image highlights the intricate design details on the frame, including text that reads "SPIRIT" and "BCA," along with the bike's cable housing.
  3
Map of the Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail System in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, showing different trail difficulty levels (easy, moderate, expert), project area boundaries, and parking locations. Includes a north arrow and scale for navigation.
  7
  19
A humorous cartoon depicting two characters outside a garage filled with several black bicycles. One character, wearing a yellow shirt and holding a bag, asks the other, dressed in red, to retrieve his bike, specifying, "It's the black one." The scene features a bright green lawn and a brick wall in the background.
A black Garmin smartwatch displaying a notification from the New York Times about the impact of long working hours on society, resting on a textured fabric surface.
  1
A group of young cyclists in colorful jerseys and helmets sprinting off the start line during a mountain biking race. A photographer captures the action in the background, while spectators cheer them on. The scene is set in a grassy area with trees in the background under a clear sky.
  2
A colorful graphic featuring layered mountains in shades of green, yellow, red, and white, with a stylized logo of Mulberry Gap in the lower left corner. The design includes intricate patterns resembling topographic maps amidst the mountain silhouettes.
  1
A cluster of white blooms with delicate, ruffled petals and hints of pink markings, surrounded by green foliage in a natural setting.