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
 
Close-up view of a bicycle's gear assembly and frame, highlighting the metallic components and a chainring, with an overlay icon symbolizing connectivity or wireless communication.
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A modern mountain bike with a vibrant red and black color scheme, featuring thick tires and a sturdy frame. The bike stands on gravel, with various other bikes visible in the background.
Image showing the available color options and sizes for the Spectral AL 6.0 mountain bike, priced at $2,399. Two color options are displayed: "Stealth" in black and "Hellfire Red." Size availability includes extra small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), and extra large (XL), with some sizes marked as "coming soon" and others "from stock."
A mountain biker in athletic gear jumps off a dirt path surrounded by tall grass and trees under a clear blue sky.
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A blue and green mountain bike is positioned on a bed of autumn leaves, surrounded by trees and foliage. The bike features a sturdy frame, thick tires labeled with “Maxxis” and “Minion DHR,” and a suspension system, indicating its suitability for off-road trails.
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A mountain biker rides along a narrow, leafy trail in a forest, surrounded by greenery and blooming purple flowers in the foreground.
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A close-up image of a bicycle frame featuring a unique logo. The logo depicts a stylized crocodile riding a bicycle, rendered in a shiny green color against a matte gray background.
A mountain biker is standing on a grassy hill, overlooking a scenic landscape of rolling green hills and distant mountains under a clear sky. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and sporting biking gear, with their bike positioned beside them.
A person riding a green mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by grassy fields under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing a red vest, black shorts, gloves, and sunglasses, focused on navigating the terrain.
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A person performing a wheelie on a mountain bike in front of a colorful mural featuring blue abstract designs. The individual has short hair and a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans, with a focused expression. The bike has a camouflage bag attached to its frame.
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Close-up of a bike's dropper seat post featuring the Fox logo, positioned against a blurred background of trees and leaves. The post is marked with a scale labeled "T R A N," indicating height adjustments, and is mounted to a blue and green mountain bike frame.
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A person with short, styled hair and visible tattoos stands with their arms crossed in a bicycle shop. The background features various biking gear, including helmets, gloves, and other accessories, arranged on wooden shelves. The atmosphere is casual and focused on cycling.
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A person standing next to a mountain bike on a sunny day, with a rustic, corrugated metal wall and a brown door in the background. The individual is wearing a dark t-shirt and a cap, smiling as they hold the bike's handlebars.
A mountain biker pushes their bike uphill on a rocky trail, surrounded by lush green mountains and a clear blue sky in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and sporty clothes, showcasing the rugged terrain of the biking trail.
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A mountain biker performs an airborne trick while jumping off a ramp in a forested area. The rider is wearing bright orange gear, including a helmet, and is captured mid-air with the bike's front wheel lifted. Tall evergreen trees create a natural backdrop, highlighting the outdoor adventure.
A cyclist wearing a black and orange cycling jersey and a green helmet competes in a mountain biking event in a wintery forest setting. The cyclist is focused and determined, riding a green bike with a number plate marked '89.' Trees are visible in the background, with some patches of snow on the ground.
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A close-up view of two metal bike chains laid over a wooden surface with a measuring tape in the background. The chains exhibit a shiny, metallic finish, and the measuring tape shows measurements in inches.
A cyclist riding along a wooden pump track in a wooded area, surrounded by trees. The track features a curved wall, allowing the rider to gain speed and perform tricks.
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A panoramic view of rolling green mountains under a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The foreground features a mix of lush green trees and some barren branches, while the landscape fades into the distant mountains, creating a serene and tranquil natural scene.
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How to Build a Cheap Multi Bike Storage Rack
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A close-up view of a mountain bike's rear suspension system, showcasing the complex interplay between the frame and shock absorber. The frame features a blend of black and vibrant pink colors, with visible components such as the chain, gears, and part of the tire in focus. The background consists of natural foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A person measuring the height of a mountain bike with a measuring tape. The bike is leaning against a corrugated metal wall, and the individual is dressed in casual clothing, including a jacket and jeans.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a mounted front light, with a blurred natural background of warm colors and soft bokeh effects.
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A black cap with a blue geometric logo rests on a dark surface next to a microphone. The background features a light-colored wall.
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A smiling truck driver sitting in the cab of a large, dark-colored truck. The reflection in the side mirror shows part of the truck's exterior and surroundings. The sky is overcast, adding a gray backdrop to the scene.
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Close-up image of the crankset and chain of a mountain bike, showcasing the black and teal frame, chainrings, and chain. The background features a natural setting with leaves and stones, indicating an outdoor environment.
A close-up image of a person riding a mountain bike, focusing on their hands gripping the handlebars. The cyclist is wearing a bright blue jacket and black pants, with protective gear on their knees. The bike features a vibrant orange frame, and the background shows trees, indicating a forested trail.
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A mountain bike with a sleek gray frame and vibrant green accents, positioned on a bed of leaves in a forested area. The bike features thick tires designed for rugged terrain and is equipped with a front suspension fork. In the background, tall trees and underbrush create a natural setting.
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most expensive xc mountain bike
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A mountain biker in a red and blue jersey navigates a dirt trail during a downhill race, surrounded by lush greenery. Spectators in the background cheer and take photos as the rider maneuvers around obstacles marked by racing tape. The scene captures the excitement and energy of a biking competition.
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A black mountain bike is positioned on a grassy hillside, overlooking a scenic landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. The bike features a sleek frame and has both front and rear tires visible, showcasing its off-road capabilities.
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A close-up view of a gray glove with a textured palm, held up against a backdrop of green grass and vegetation. A bicycle wheel is slightly visible in the background.
A black mountain bike parked on a trail surrounded by greenery, with detailed view of its tires and frame.
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A clear tool designed for muscle recovery, featuring a silver knob for adjustment, alongside a bottle of sport spray labeled "4ARM" that claims to reduce stiffness, cramping, and lactic acid. The setup is positioned on a light background.
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A rugged mountain trail winding through lush greenery, with rocky outcrops and steep slopes on either side. In the foreground, a mountain bike rests on a rocky path, overlooking the scenic landscape under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
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Close-up of a green bicycle frame highlighting the top tube and a black headset cap labeled "OPEN." The image shows a noticeable crack in the paint on the frame, suggesting potential wear or damage. The background is blurred, focusing on the bike component.
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Signage indicating the status of a trail in a snowy landscape. One sign states "Trail Closed When Muddy or Above Freezing" and the other states "Trail Open When Dry or Frozen." A trail marker with icons for biking and hiking is also visible in the background, surrounded by trees and grass.
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Close-up of a bicycle seat and seat post, featuring a sleek black saddle labeled "Tundra" and a finely detailed seat post mechanism. The bike frame is partially visible with a vibrant yellow accent, and a black water bottle is attached to the frame. The background shows a blurred earthy terrain, suggesting a trail or outdoor setting.
"Display of various bike saddles hanging on a wooden wall, featuring sleek designs in black with colorful accents. Each saddle is labeled for identification, showcasing a range of shapes and styles for cycling enthusiasts."
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A modern mountain bike in teal and yellow, positioned on a pathway with a scenic ocean view and a city skyline in the background. The bike features wide tires and a sturdy frame, emphasizing its capability for off-road cycling.
Image of various mountain biking protective gear, including knee and elbow pads, a chest protector, and shorts. The title reads "Favorite MTB Protection" with a subtitle indicating it is from the Singletracks Readers’ Choice 2017. The gear features brands like POC, Fox Racing, and Race Face, presented in a visually organized layout.
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Close-up of a bicycle's crankset, chain, and motor, showcasing a dirty chain and components in black and white. The image highlights the Yamaha branding on the motor and the intricate details of the crank and gears.
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A sleek, modern black scooter designed for snowboarding, featuring a sturdy frame with handlebars and a comfortable seat. The base has a wide platform with rounded edges, and it is equipped with high-quality suspension for stability. The design highlights the brand name "RIPPROW" prominently displayed on the handlebars and the base.
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A black and red mountain bike parked on a bed of fallen leaves in a forest setting, surrounded by trees and a large rock in the background. The bike features wide tires and a sleek design, showcasing its mountain biking capabilities.
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A purple cycling helmet with a geometric pattern resting on the ground, featuring ventilation holes, a gray visor, and a yellow MIPS logo, set against a natural background of tree bark and foliage.
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5 enduro mountain bikes put to the test
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A mountain bike with a sleek, vibrant design featuring a pink and black frame, equipped with high-performance tires, is leaning against a tree in a wooded area. The background includes greenery and scattered leaves, suggesting an outdoor setting suitable for cycling adventures.