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 a red jacket rides over rocky terrain, navigating a dirt path surrounded by shrubs and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
  1
A line graph displaying a fluctuating green trend line with a background of bars in shades of green and red, overlaid by an illustration of a cyclist performing a jump. The graph's vertical axis is marked with values around 13 to 18, indicating measurements over a timeline from June 2012 to July 2013.
  7
A yellow bike trail sign attached to a tree in a wooded area, with a blurred dirt path visible in the background. The sign indicates that the trail is suitable for biking.
Blueprint illustration of an autonomous mountain bike, showcasing key features such as internal gyroscopes, powered drivetrain, handlebar-mounted smartphone controller, steering servos, and automatic braking system.
  2
A cyclist wearing a black and red outfit sits on a bridge beside a mountain bike. The bike features bright green rims and has a backpack attached to the front. In the background, lush green trees are visible under a cloudy sky.
A black cycling shoe with a textured surface and two secure dial fasteners, resting on a piece of wood amid grasses and green foliage.
  1
A mountain biker navigating a wooded trail, surrounded by greenery, with text overlay reading "FIVE 2 RIDE PENNSYLVANIA." The image emphasizes both the rider and the vibrant nature of the biking environment.
  1
A close-up view of a person's foot wearing a black athletic shoe with green accents, resting on a log covered in leaves and dirt. The person is also wearing a black sock. The background features blurred foliage, indicating an outdoor setting.
A close-up view of a person wearing a black CamelBak hip pack, featuring orange accents, secured around the waist. In the background, a blue mountain bike is partially visible, surrounded by greenery. The individual's clothing includes a black shirt and camouflage-patterned shorts.
  2
A person wading through shallow water in a natural setting, carrying a bicycle above their head. The surrounding landscape features trees and greenery, creating an outdoor adventure scene.
A nighttime view from a hillside overlooking a city, illuminated by countless lights. In the foreground, there's a portion of a dirt path with grass and shrubs, and the seat of a bicycle is visible to the right, adding context to the scene.
A winding dirt trail through a lush green forest, marked by a wooden beam with a sign indicating "Expert" level difficulty for cyclists or hikers. Tall trees and dense foliage surround the path, creating a serene natural environment.
  5
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A person wearing a helmet and a red vest is riding a mountain bike along a grassy trail by a calm pond, surrounded by bare trees and greenery under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
  2
A close-up profile of a brown bear displaying its thick, textured fur. The bear's head is turned slightly to the side, highlighting its distinctive features such as the rounded ears and prominent snout. The background is softly blurred, allowing the bear to stand out in the image.
  11
A blue mountain bike positioned on grass near a pond, showcasing large, rugged tires and a lightweight frame. The bike features a suspension system and is designed for off-road cycling. The background includes lush greenery and water, highlighting an outdoor setting.
A blue full face helmet with an open face design, featuring ventilation holes and the Fox Racing logo, positioned on a wooden surface. The text "RIDE. WIDE OPEN." is displayed prominently next to the helmet, highlighting its breathability and protective features. A blurred background includes various biking accessories and gear.
  5
Two border patrol agents stand beside their bicycles in a grassy area near a bridge. They are wearing uniforms with badges and helmets, with communication devices attached to their shirts. The background features tall grass and the silhouette of an orange bridge.
  5
A cyclist wearing a red long-sleeve shirt and a helmet rides along a dirt trail covered with fallen leaves in a wooded area.
Map showing a trail marked in red, depicting a winding path through Gillian Park, with nearby streets labeled. The trail features a spiral shape and meanders around grassy areas within the park.
  8
A narrow bike trail surrounded by lush greenery, including trees and shrubs, with a bicycle handlebar visible in the foreground. The path is partially covered with leaves, and the scene suggests a tranquil outdoor setting ideal for biking or hiking.
  4
A mountain bike with muddy tires is leaned against a weathered wooden wall, partially covered by peeling paint. The ground is littered with fallen leaves and small stones, creating a rustic outdoor setting.
A hand is seen holding a knife, poised above a bicycle helmet that is emitting smoke. The helmet features a black and white design, with visible ventilation holes. The scene occurs on a flat surface with a gravel background, suggesting an experimental or destructive demonstration.
  5
Alt text: A cyclist riding on a wooded trail with bare trees, overlaid with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE NEW YORK" in a striking design featuring a location pin.
  4
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and trees, with a graphic symbol indicating sound or broadcasting overlaid on the image.
  8
A close-up view of an outdoor map with a GPS watch and a smartphone displaying topographic information. The watch is positioned on the map, showing navigation options, while the smartphone features a detailed map interface with elevation profiles and a marker for the current location. A compass symbol is also visible on the map.
  2
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail through a lush, green forest, with another rider in the background. The image features autumn leaves scattered on the ground, and text overlaying the image reads "Popular Strava MTB Segments" along with a crown graphic.
  2
A cyclist wearing a black and white striped jersey and gloves is holding a camera and taking a photo. In the background, there are trees and rocky terrain, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A black Raleigh mountain bike parked on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery, with trees in the background and sunlight filtering through the leaves. The bike features wide tires designed for off-road riding and has a sleek, modern design.
  12
A mountain bike leaning against a dirt path surrounded by trees, with fallen leaves on the ground. The words "FIVE 2 RIDE ILLINOIS" are overlaid in bold letters, alongside a location marker icon. The image is predominantly in black and white, highlighting the natural setting.
  5
A rustic two-story wooden building labeled "Bedrock Store" is depicted with cyclists standing next to their bikes outside the entrance. The surrounding area features greenery and red rock formations under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
  2
A bright green mountain bike is displayed in a scenic outdoor setting, with hills in the background. The bike is upright and has a sale tag attached, indicating a 45% discount. The foreground features tall grass and wildflowers, suggesting a vibrant and natural environment.
  24
Two tubes of CamelBak Elixir electrolyte hydration tablets are placed next to a brick wall. One tube is labeled "Tangerine Orange," and the other is labeled "Watermelon Kiwi." Green leaves and small plants are visible around the tubes, showcasing a natural setting.
  7
A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail in a lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and dense vegetation. The rider is wearing a helmet and a red shirt, navigating a sandy path with rocks and plants on either side.
  2
A close-up view of a person’s hands gripping the handlebars of a mountain bike, with several electronic devices mounted on the handlebars. The background features a bike path surrounded by trees and fallen leaves, suggesting an outdoor cycling setting.
  13
A competitive cyclist in a black and white jersey navigates a sandy track during a race, while another cyclist follows closely behind. The setting features spectators watching from a distance, with colorful tents and banners in the background, creating a lively beach atmosphere.
What size mountain bike do I need
  4
Participants racing in the USA Cycling National Championships for fat bikes, taking place in Ogden, Utah. The scene features multiple cyclists crossing a snowy course under an archway adorned with stars and sponsor logos, with spectators in warm clothing watching from above. The atmosphere is vibrant with sunny skies and banners highlighting the event.
  2
A close-up of a water sampling device positioned near a muddy bank, with a blurred background of water and lush green vegetation. The device features a blue connector and a transparent tube, suggesting it is designed for collecting or monitoring water quality. A graphic symbol indicating connectivity or transmission overlays the image.
  14
Map of the United States highlighting various upcoming Enduro events, each marked with speech bubbles containing event names and dates: NAEC (June 24-25), Big Mountain Enduro (May 27), Clif Enduro East (July 1-2), Enduro National Champs (July 23), and California Enduro at Northstar (August 26-27).
Close-up of several fat bike tires featuring deep treads and metal studs for enhanced traction on snow and ice. The image includes large text reading "FAT BIKE TIRES."
  7
Image of a mountain bike tire featuring a patterned tread design. The tire has a light beige-colored rubber surface and a black sidewall, designed for traction on various terrains. The graphic includes a blue corner label that reads "PSC COMPOUND." The background has a subtle, modern geometric pattern.
  5
A cyclist dressed in a colorful cycling outfit navigates through deep snow on a mountain bike, with a race number visible on the front. The surrounding landscape is covered in a layer of snow, creating a winter scene.
  1
Close-up view of a Shimano XTR bicycle brake lever mounted on a bike handlebar, with a textured grip and a portion of the bike frame visible in the background. The image features a natural outdoor setting with pine needles on the ground.
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A smartphone displaying a fitness app with a map and activity feed is placed on a stone surface next to a cycling GPS device. Green grass and small leaves surround the scene.
  2
A close-up image of a hand using a specialized tool to cut or adjust a mountain bike tire, showcasing the tire's textured rubber surface and the tool's detailed mechanism. The background features a blurred workshop setting, emphasizing a focus on bike maintenance.