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 cartoon depicting two men in a bike shop. One man, wearing a red shirt, looks surprised as he talks to a store employee in a yellow shirt, who stands next to a mountain bike priced at $12,000. The caption reads, “Would you prefer a 15-year or 30-year mortgage to pay off the bike?”
  3
A smiling person wearing a black tank top and a gray cap with a Red Bull logo, posed against a white background.
A tall cactus stands in the foreground, with a scenic view of rolling hills and a winding dirt path in the background. The landscape is dotted with green shrubs and is under a cloudy sky, suggesting an expansive desert or mountainous region.
  3
A person in a red shirt and blue helmet rides a mountain bike along a dirt trail surrounded by trees and rocks, with fallen leaves on the ground. The setting is a sunny forest.
  16
A humorous cartoon depicts two cyclists watching a third cyclist who is climbing a steep hill while carrying his bike. The cyclist is wearing a red cap and a red shirt with knee pads, and he appears determined as he ascends. The two observers express their amusement, commenting, "Dude's a masochist. He rides his bike UP the hill, then hikes back DOWN." The background features a sunny sky and green trees, emphasizing the outdoor setting.
  1
Niner founder Chris Sugai stands confidently with his arms crossed, wearing a black shirt. He is set against a vibrant green landscape with a blurred pathway behind him, suggesting a sunny day outdoors.
A black bicycle rack attached to the rear of a vehicle, designed to carry multiple bikes. The rack features various support arms and straps for securing bicycles in place, set against a concrete surface.
  6
Two cartoon cyclists are on a dirt path surrounded by trees. One rider, wearing a blue jacket and a helmet, looks frustrated and comments, "This jacket isn’t breathable at all!" The other rider, dressed in a yellow shirt, stands next to a blue bike, looking amused. The scene captures a humorous moment in a biking adventure.
Alt text: "Promotional image for the SORBA Epic Weekend event at Mulberry Gap, featuring a group of mountain bikers riding on a forest trail. The text includes event dates (March 27-29, 2020) and highlights the 'Brutal Loop.'"
A blue and red silo labeled "Dale's Pale Ale" stands next to a brewery building. In the foreground, there's a vintage pickup truck parked near wooden pallets, and the background features rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring an e*thirteen Race Carbon Bar and a Cane Creek headset. The background shows fallen leaves and grass, indicating an outdoor setting.
  4
A cartoon depicting two men in a bike shop. One man, scratching his head in confusion, stands beside a red mountain bike, while another man, wearing a yellow shirt, looks at the bike with a puzzled expression. The dialogue at the bottom reads: "I guess the specs said 12x1, not 1x12."
  5
A mountain bike positioned on a leaf-covered forest path, surrounded by green foliage and trees. The bike is black with visible mud on the tires and frame, indicating recent off-road use.
  9
A waterproof action camera mounted on a tree branch, surrounded by green leaves, reflecting the area around it.
  4
A military facility featuring a large white building with flags in front and a prominent rocket monument on the lawn. The rocket is labeled "UB-35V," and the area is landscaped with bushes and a circular arrangement of smaller rocket replicas. Vehicles are parked along the driveway leading to the main entrance.
  1
Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar and stem against a backdrop of tall grass and trees. The handlebars are black, and the stem features a shiny black finish with a logo, connected to a bright turquoise bike frame. The scene suggests an outdoor setting, ideal for cycling.
  3
A mountain biker wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt rides along a winding dirt trail surrounded by lush green meadows and mountains under a bright blue sky. The scene is lively with wildflowers, and hills provide a stunning backdrop. A signal icon is superimposed in the center.
  1
A narrow dirt path winding through a lush, green forest filled with trees, bushes, and dense foliage under bright sunlight.
  7
A young person stands on a rocky trail in a picturesque landscape during sunset, wearing sunglasses and a backpack, with a scenic background of red rock formations and shrubs.
A mountain bike leaning against a tree, with a protective helmet resting on the handlebars. The scene is set during golden hour, providing a warm, soft light that highlights the texture of the tree bark and the bike's components.
  7
Close-up view of a bicycle's handlebars featuring a bright front light and a bell, set against a blurred background of a wooded area with fallen leaves. The bicycle has a blue frame and visible cables extending from the handlebars.
A top-down view of a mountain bike's handlebars and stem, featuring a blue frame, black grips, and various components including a shifter and brake lever, set against a backdrop of tall, golden grasses and green plants.
  26
A beautifully arranged breakfast table featuring a plate of sunny-side-up eggs, crispy bacon, a mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, and fresh rolls. A cup of latte art coffee sits nearby, alongside a smartphone displaying a food-related app. Natural wood table surface enhances the cozy atmosphere.
  1
Two bottles of Boeshield T-9 biodegradable bicycle lubricant, one small (1 oz) and one large (4 oz), are shown in focus, set against a blurred background of a mountain bike and autumn foliage. The labels indicate the product cleans, lubricates, and protects while repelling dirt and dust. The bike features Maxxis tires.
  7
A person wearing a green helmet and sunglasses stands beside a fat tire mountain bike on a dirt trail, with rolling hills and a cloudy sky in the background. They are smiling and giving a thumbs-up gesture. The surrounding landscape includes shrubs and rocky outcrops.
A trail sign indicating biking rules, featuring icons for bicycles, a prohibition symbol for electric bikes, and an arrow pointing to the right. The background shows a wooded area with a dirt path.
  2
A storefront displaying a bicycle with decorative flowers in the window, an "Open" neon sign, and a welcome chalkboard sign outside the entrance. The hours of operation are posted on the door, along with logos related to cycling. The background shows trees and bicycles.
  23
A person standing in a grassy area wearing a dark camouflage zip-up jacket, black pants, a black cap, and sunglasses. They have a serious expression and are surrounded by greenery in the background.
A close-up view of a black bicycle rack mounted on the back of a vehicle, showing two arms for securing bicycles and various attachment points. The background features a concrete surface.
A hand holding a smartphone displaying the LuvTrails app, showing nearby parks for outdoor activities. The background features green foliage and scattered autumn leaves.
  1
A mountain biker navigating over rocky terrain in a forested area, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, and using yellow gloves. The cyclist is airborne above the rocks, showcasing skill and agility on a mountain bike.
  1
A blurred image of a mountain biker navigating a wooded trail, with vibrant green leaves in the background. The biker is wearing a helmet and red gloves, emphasizing movement and speed. An icon indicating sound or audio waves is overlaid in the center.
  1
A close-up image of a hand wearing a faded, fingerless glove, with the palm facing up. The background features a wooden deck, and the glove shows signs of wear and dirt.
  11
A black fat bike stands in a snowy landscape, surrounded by pine trees. The bike's large, knobby tires are designed for winter terrain, and ski tracks can be seen in the fresh snow nearby. The scene is tranquil and captures the essence of winter outdoor activities.
  62
Close-up of a bicycle seat post and saddle, showing the adjustment mechanism and cable routing against a backdrop of tall grass. The seat features a sleek design with perforations, while the seat post is sturdy with identifiable branding and markings.
A mountain biker navigates rocky terrain, wearing a helmet and a bright red jersey, with trees and cliffs in the background under a blue sky.
A mountain biker maneuvers down a narrow, dirt path surrounded by green ivy and fallen leaves in a wooded area. The rider is dressed in a black jacket, gloves, and helmet, demonstrating an active riding posture on a blue and green mountain bike. Trees are visible in the background, contributing to the outdoor, adventurous setting.
  26
A mountain biker performs a jump over a wooden ramp in a forest area, surrounded by tall, bare trees. The biker is wearing a helmet and cycling gear, demonstrating an action-packed moment in the sport.
  1
Close-up view of an orange bicycle frame featuring the "STAGES" logo in blue. The handlebars and cables are visible, with a blurred green background.
  17
Map depicting the mountain bike trails in Franklin, Tennessee. It includes trail rules such as wearing helmets, staying in control, and respecting wildlife. The map features different trail difficulties, marked in color, along with locations of nearby landmarks and future development areas.
  1
A vibrant orange mountain bike leaning against a tree on a rocky cliff, overlooking a lush green valley filled with dense trees and rolling hills under a bright blue sky.
  10
A group of four people smiling while riding mountain bikes in a snowy forest. They are wearing helmets and winter clothing, surrounded by snow-covered trees and a snowy path. The atmosphere is cheerful and adventurous.
  1
Close-up view of a bicycle tire showing specifications, including "29 x 2.6," "LIGHT & SUPPLE," and "TR TUBELESS READY," with a hint of dirt on the tire's surface. The background features a blurred tree bark.
  11
Close-up of a bicycle wheel with visible spokes, set against a backdrop of green grass and foliage. Overlayed is a graphic symbol representing connectivity or signal transmission, featuring concentric arcs surrounding a central circle.
A blue mountain bike secured to a tree with an orange strap. The bike has a silver water bottle and a metal container mounted on the frame. The background features greenery and a gravel path.
  10
A close-up of a bicycle tire and wheel. The tire features a brown rubber edge and a black rim, with a clear valve stem visible for inflation. The background includes blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting. The lighting highlights the texture of the tire, which appears slightly wet.