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
 
Brown sign indicating "Mountain Bike Trail" with an arrow pointing to the right, set against a backdrop of tall trees and sunlight filtering through the forest.
Three men stand together, smiling in a parking area with parked vehicles in the background. The man on the left wears a black shirt with green accents, the man in the center is in a red shirt, and the man on the right is dressed in a blue shirt with black lettering. The central figure wears a helmet, and their mountain bikes are visible on a rack behind them. The setting is sunny with clear blue skies and distant hills.
  5
A close-up of a person's knee wearing protective padded cycling shorts, featuring a black and orange design. The background shows a natural, green forest setting with trees and foliage. The shorts have branding visible on them, indicating they are from the Pearl Izumi brand.
A cartoon featuring two cyclists riding on a dirt trail surrounded by trees and mountains. One cyclist, wearing a red jersey, is making a humorous comment about using almond milk in his tires instead of tubeless sealant. The other cyclist, dressed in yellow, listens. The scene conveys a light-hearted take on biking maintenance.
  2
A mountain biker expertly navigating a dirt trail in a dense forest, leaning into a curve with intense focus. The cyclist is wearing protective gear, including a helmet, and the scene is surrounded by tall trees and earthy tones of the forest floor.
  1
Close-up view of a muddy bicycle tire, showing the tread pattern and the brand name "Hutchinson" in white lettering, with droplets of water on the surface. The background features a blurred green forest setting.
A row of mountain bikes resting on a wooden bike rack in a garage. The image is in black and white, showcasing the bikes with various designs and wheel sizes.
  19
A cartoon illustration featuring two mountain bikers on a trail. One biker, in a red shirt and blue shorts, is speaking to another biker, who is wearing a yellow shirt. A sign in the background states "No bikes allowed." The first biker is making a humorous comment about his e-bike's geo-fencing restricting him from sharing the trail. The scene is set in a green, outdoor landscape with trees and distant mountains.
  1
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire on a dirt path, surrounded by green foliage and soft sunlight filtering through the trees. The tire's textured surface is visible, showcasing its rugged tread design.
  1
Two cyclists riding on a dirt trail in a forested area. One cyclist, wearing a blue helmet and backpack, is seen from behind, while the other cyclist, wearing a pink helmet, is further down the path. A directional sign with arrows indicating various trails is visible alongside the trail, surrounded by lush greenery and ferns.
  7
A group of eight people, including one wearing a ranger uniform, pose together on a mountain ridge, smiling and celebrating. One person holds up a tool, while the others cheer and smile at the camera. A black dog is in the foreground, and the scene features trees and a scenic view of mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
A wooden sign indicating that mountain bike trails are closed, with a smaller sign above it stating "Parking Fee." The background features trees and a paved area.
  8
A peaceful wooded path lined with bare trees and a carpet of fallen leaves, with sunlight filtering through the branches.
  6
A humorous cartoon depicting a messy garage scene with a man holding a drink and looking at a broken bicycle. Two onlookers express surprise or concern. The man comments about giving his friend a six-pack of drinks before completing the bike repair, suggesting a lighthearted situation involving mishaps and timing.
A mountain biker in action, jumping off a rocky ledge on a forested trail. The cyclist wears a helmet and sunglasses and is dressed in athletic gear. The surrounding area features trees and green foliage, with leaves scattered on the ground.
  1
A mountain biker in a blue and black outfit jumps off a rocky trail, with a clear blue sky and desert landscape in the background. Another cyclist can be seen riding down the trail in the distance.
  1
A black tool with a pointed end lies on green moss, next to a black protective cap and a translucent case labeled "SLUGS," which contains items inside.
  4
A cartoon depicting two mountain bikers encountering a large sign that reads "Trail Closed. Too Crowded." One bikers is wearing a red shirt and a black hat, looking frustrated on a yellow bike. The other biker, dressed in a blue shirt, rides in the background, while vibrant green foliage surrounds the trail. The caption below the image states, "We need more mountain bike trails."
  1
A rocky hillside with a prominent formation at the top, surrounded by green shrubs and trees under a clear blue sky. A dirt path winds through the landscape, leading to signs placed along the way.
  4
A close-up of a mountain biking magazine cover featuring the title "Dirt Rag." The illustration showcases a cyclist wearing a helmet and sunglasses, racing on a dirt trail with a backdrop of rocky terrain and colorful abstract elements. The words "Santa Fe Singletrack" are prominently displayed below the title.
  2
A close-up image of a black fishing rod resting on wood near grass. The rod features measurement markings along its length, indicating various lengths or depths. The background includes green grass and dried blades, highlighting an outdoor setting.
  1
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