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 person speaking into a microphone on stage at the Italian Enduro Series event, with a backdrop featuring logos and the event's name and year, 2019.
Close-up image of a bicycle bottom bracket assembly, showcasing a black and green threaded component with the inscription "TIGHTEN DRIVE SIDE." The background features blurred bike parts, indicating a workshop or maintenance setting.
  12
Four pairs of clipless mountain bike shoes displayed against a rocky background. The shoes vary in style and color: a black pair with a textured design, a bright blue pair featuring two dial closures, a sleek black pair, and a black shoe with green accents. The text "TESTED AND REVIEWED" is overlayed above the shoes, with "CLIPLESS MTB SHOES" prominently displayed at the bottom.
  4
A close-up of a hand resting on a metal railing, wearing a green fitness tracker on the wrist, with a blurred water and city skyline background. The sky is overcast, suggesting a cool day.
  9
A large group of female mountain bikers stands in front of a purple tent with "Girlz Gone Riding" written on it. They are wearing various cycling jerseys and helmets, surrounded by tall trees and greenery. The atmosphere appears vibrant and friendly, highlighting the community of women in biking.
A cyclist riding a fat bike across a shallow stream in a snowy wooded area. Water splashes as the bike moves through the stream, surrounded by trees and patches of snow on the ground.
  20
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear cassette and chain, featuring a vibrant blue frame and a background of tall grass. The image highlights the intricate gears and chain links designed for efficient cycling performance.
  5
A person on horseback interacts with two individuals in a forested area, surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. The rider is dressed in a working jacket and a hat, while the two people on foot are wearing helmets and outdoor clothing. The scene conveys a moment of connection in a natural setting.
  4
A child dressed in a red jacket and helmet rides a white bicycle along a leaf-covered dirt trail, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.
  7
A person riding a mountain bike down a dirt trail surrounded by autumn foliage in a forested area. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and trees with colorful fall leaves line the path. The rider is wearing a helmet and a maroon jacket.
  1
Close-up of a grey and teal sneaker with pink accents and laces, featuring the brand name "Five Tennies" printed in bright pink on the side. The background shows a natural setting with greenery.
Close-up of a black cycling helmet equipped with a front-mounted LED light, resting on a wooden surface with fallen leaves in the background. The helmet features ventilation holes and a cable connected to the light, suggesting use for night cycling or outdoor activities.
  4
A mountain biker navigating a rugged trail through a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and ferns, with a symbol indicating live streaming or broadcasting overlay.
A collage featuring nine dynamic outdoor scenes showcasing mountain biking and adventure sports. The images include bikers navigating through various terrains, including rocky paths and lush forests, as well as a person enjoying a waterfront activity. Each image has a symbol superimposed, indicating a live or broadcast element.
A person wearing a black cycling pack while seated on a blue bike, with a background of grassy terrain. The pack features adjustable straps and multiple pockets, including a visible water bottle holder.
  5
Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a digital display showing RPM and other metrics, with a control button nearby, and a partially wrapped handle with black tape. The background is a blurred outdoor scene.
A bike rack mounted on the back of a silver Subaru vehicle, with a partially visible pink mountain bike leaning against the car. The rack is designed to hold multiple bikes, featuring four black support arms laid out on green grass.
  1
A mountain biker in colorful attire performs a jump on a rocky trail surrounded by lush greenery. Sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting the dynamic movement and energy of the rider.
A mountain biker navigates a twisting trail through a forested area, riding expertly around a bend. The image is in black and white, capturing the dynamic motion of the biker as they lean into the turn. Surrounding foliage and rocky terrain can be seen, along with race tape marking the path.
  1
Close-up of the end of a white electrical wire, showing exposed copper strands, against a bright green background.
  20
A person in a green and black patterned shirt stands in front of a background of lush ferns. The text "Welcome to the Jungle" is prominently displayed in yellow. The individual is wearing sunglasses and appears to be outdoors.
  1
A close-up view of a green sneaker with yellow laces and black accents resting on a rock in a wooded area. The socked foot is partially visible, with the background showing blurred trees and leaves.
A close-up image of a person's hand using a microfiber cleaning cloth on a bright blue bicycle frame. In the background, a wooden fence and a section of the bike's tire are visible. The cloth has a label from the brand Muc-Off.
  1
A photographer capturing images of a yellow mountain bike positioned on lush green grass, surrounded by dense foliage and colorful flowers. The photographer, wearing a black shirt and shorts, is crouched down with a camera aimed at the bike.
  1
A wooden trail sign in a natural setting, indicating the directions to "Almond Butter to Ute Valley Bike Trails" and "BeaUteiful Loop." The sign features symbols for hiking and biking, with paths winding through grassy terrain and shrubs.
  1
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.
  7
A mountain biker performing a jump on a rocky terrain with a steep, colorful cliff in the background. The image features earthy tones and rugged landscape. An abstract signal icon is overlaid in the center.
Close-up of a mountain bike's front fork and tire, featuring the "Maxxis" logo on the tire sidewall, set against a blurred natural background. The image highlights the tire tread pattern and the bike's suspension components.
  1
A large crowd of people seated on grass, gathered at an outdoor event in a forested area. A colorful tent is visible in the background, and a vehicle can be seen further back. The image has a graphic overlay representing sound waves, suggesting a musical or performance event.
A group of people working together outdoors in a forested area, with trees in the background and brown leaves scattered on the ground. They are using tools to dig and maintain a trail, focused on their task under a clear blue sky.
  5
A bookshelf filled with various books, featuring a large overlay of a sound or broadcast symbol in the center.
A mountain biker in a red helmet and sunglasses performs a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green trees. The biker is smiling and wearing a backpack, capturing a moment of excitement in the outdoors.
  19
A digital torque wrench with a gray and yellow handle, lying on a wooden surface. The display shows a reading of "2000." The wrench features a ratchet head at one end and buttons for adjusting settings.
  7
A black CamelBak hydration pack resting on dry leaves and twigs, featuring a zippered pocket and a side compartment designed to hold a water bottle.
  8
A silhouette of a mountain biker performing a jump against a colorful sunset sky, with a circular graphic overlay representing a wireless signal.
A rustic wooden bridge crosses a natural clearing in a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and lush green foliage, leading into the wilderness.
  4
A black mountain bike displayed on a bed of fallen leaves in a forest setting, with green trees and foliage in the background. The bike features thick tires and a sturdy frame, highlighting its off-road capabilities.
  4
A serene landscape featuring tall, vibrant trees with golden leaves against a clear blue sky. The foreground includes lush greenery and bushes, creating a rich contrast with the autumn colors.
  6
A close-up view of green pine branches resting on a textured rock surface, with a circular audio symbol overlaid in the center.
A collection of car cleaning supplies arranged in a black plastic storage container. The items include a spray bottle with a black and pink nozzle, a bottle of car shampoo, a green spray bottle, a pink sponge, brushes with black bristles, and a grey microfiber towel. The background shows a textured surface with water spots.
A photographer kneels on rocky terrain, using a video camera mounted on a tripod to capture the panoramic view of a mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky.
  1
A compact multi-tool featuring various wrenches and screwdrivers, with a green logo, resting on a textured concrete surface.
A mountain bike is parked on a grassy area surrounded by lush green foliage. The bike features a sleek black frame with teal accents, thick tires designed for rugged terrain, and a suspension system. Fallen leaves scattered on the ground add a touch of autumn to the scene.
  4
A mountain biker falls onto the rocky trail while attempting a downhill ride, with spectators in the background cheering and observing. The ocean can be seen in the distance under a clear sky. Nearby, a person reaches out to assist the fallen rider. Blue safety tape marks the course path.
  11
A person riding a mountain bike over rocky terrain with greenery and a clear blue sky in the background. The rider is smiling, wearing a helmet and vibrant cycling attire.
A close-up of a black glove laid out flat on a grassy surface, featuring the embossed text "NO ORDINARY LIFE" in vibrant turquoise. The glove has a snug fit and a textured design, with a label visible at the wrist.
  23
A vibrant display of mountain bikes in a bicycle shop, featuring a variety of colors including pink, green, and black, with accessories and gear visible in the background. The bikes are arranged on a sales floor with wooden accents and hanging bicycle wheels.
  3