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 black mountain bike with colorful accents is parked in a field of tall grass and purple wildflowers, with rolling green hills visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail surrounded by lush greenery, with another rider in the background. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and a cycling jersey, and the terrain appears rugged, indicating an off-road biking environment.
A mountain biker's perspective showing a trail with overlay data including speed (10 mph), heart rate (127 bpm), power (324 watts), and elapsed time (2:16:08). The view includes dirt paths and greenery around, indicating an outdoor biking environment.
  6
A scenic view of lush green mountains under a cloudy sky, with trees in the foreground. A graphic symbol representing a signal or broadcast is overlaid in the center of the image.
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Image of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame exhibit, featuring two bicycles displayed on the wall, one in silver and one in yellow. Above the bikes, the words "Mountain Bike Hall of Fame" are prominently displayed. Various posters and information panels about mountain biking are visible in the background, contributing to the educational environment of the exhibit.
A close-up view of a knee guard featuring a flexible, padded design with ventilation holes, worn on a person's leg. The garment is black with blue and white branding, set against a red corrugated background.
  6
A close-up of a person's lower body wearing beige shorts with a zippered pocket, set against a backdrop of rusty metal siding. The shorts feature a small logo near the hem. The person is wearing a red shirt.
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A close-up image of a smartphone mounted on the handlebars of a bicycle, with a rugged phone case. The background features a blurred, natural setting with leaves.
  53
Alt text: Close-up view of a blue mountain bike frame featuring red and black accents, with a visible suspension system and tires in the background.
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A close-up of a hand wearing a black and gray patterned biking glove, gripping a bicycle handlebar. The background features green grass and blurred foliage.
Alt text: Close-up view of a bicycle's handlebar displaying a Cyclo505 device. The screen shows a speed of 0.0 mph and a distance of 2.08 miles, with a map and control buttons visible. The background features blurred autumn foliage.
A close-up view of a cyclist wearing a red vest and a helmet, standing beneath a canopy of trees. The background shows branches and a clear blue sky, suggesting an outdoor setting suitable for biking. The cyclist appears to be taking a selfie or adjusting their perspective.
Close-up of a bicycle's rear gear mechanism, showcasing the chain and gear assembly with metallic components in natural lighting.
  3
A well-organized workshop with a perforated wall displaying various hand tools, including wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers. A work table is beneath, featuring a few toolboxes, oil containers, and a flashlight, with a bicycle tire hung on the wall above. A whiteboard is visible on the left side of the image.
A view of a woodland trail with a clear path surrounded by trees. Overlay graphics display "HEIGHT: 1.46m," "AUTOPILOT ENGAGED," and a color-coded trail detection system with a semicircular pattern indicating red, yellow, and green zones, labeled "TRAIL DETECTED."
  3
Video showing a forest floor covered with moss and scattered twigs and branches, with a play button overlay in the center. The scene captures a natural setting rich with greenery and textures.
Three individuals are posing in front of a vibrant graffiti wall featuring blue and yellow patterns. The first person is doing a wheelie on a mountain bike and appears to be having fun. The second person, standing in the middle, is looking at the cyclist with a smile, while the third person on the right is also smiling. All three are wearing matching black t-shirts with a blue logo.
  7
A mountain biker stands on a hillside, overlooking a vast landscape of mountains and greenery. The scene features a mix of trees and rocky hills, with a clear sky in the background. Overlaying the image is a graphic symbol representing wireless connectivity.
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A colorful motocross helmet featuring a glossy red, black, and gold design, with ventilation openings and a padded interior. The helmet has a prominent logo on the side and is shown from a three-quarter angle.
A group of mountain bikers at the starting line of a race, poised to begin. The riders, wearing colorful jerseys and helmets, are lined up on their bikes on a grassy field, with a bright orange cone marking the start. Trees provide a natural background.
Close-up of a bicycle crankset featuring a Shimano XTR component. The image highlights the gears, chain, and polished metallic finish of the crank, set against a blurred background to emphasize the bike's intricate parts.
  3
Close-up of a bike repair stand attachment featuring a black body with a red clamp. The attachment is marked with the text "FEEDBACK SPORTS" and surrounded by green grass in the background, indicating an outdoor setting.
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An assortment of items on a black surface, including a white sticker featuring the logo "singletracks.com" with a mountain design, an orange flyer with information about mountain biking resources, and a postcard-sized photo of a cake decorated with the same "singletracks.com" logo and a bicycle motif.
  9
A mountain bike with a sleek design, featuring a silver and black frame, is positioned on a forest floor covered in leaves and small plants. The background includes tall trees and a clear sky, indicating a natural outdoor setting. The bike showcases thick tires and high-quality components, emphasizing its suitability for off-road riding.
  3
Close-up of various beer bottle caps scattered on a dark table surface, with a reflection of a bicycle in the background.
  15
A close-up view of a green mountain bike frame with visible dirt and mud, showcasing the rear suspension and mechanical components. The background features a natural setting of tall grass and mountains.
  4
Close-up view of a dirty mountain bike tire labeled 'MINION SS' with specifications showing '29x2.30' and '60 PSI,' set against a blurred green forest background.
  11
A snowy outdoor event scene featuring participants and tents, with two individuals pulling a cardboard ramp set up with two beer kegs on it. Spectators in the background are under canopies marked with "Visitor Information" and event signage, while snowflakes fall gently.
Graphic featuring the text "FIVE 2 RIDE PHILIPPINES" with a location pin icon, set against a stylized background inspired by the Philippine flag, incorporating elements such as stars and a sun emblem.
  2
An indoor skate park featuring a series of ramps and bowls, with graffiti-style art on the walls. The ceiling is painted blue with yellow clouds. Overhead lights illuminate the space, and a few skaters can be seen in the background.
  5
A man with short gray hair wearing a black turtleneck sweater stands confidently with his arms crossed. The background features soft, blurred architectural elements, suggesting an indoor or urban setting with natural light.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike's crankset and chain, featuring a red chainring with visible dirt and wear. The background shows a natural setting with greenery and a blurred view of a river.
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Alt text: A white mountain bike leans against a metal gate with a green sign that reads "Welcome to Sycamore Canyon Goodan Ranch Preserve." In the background, rolling hills and mountains can be seen under a clear blue sky. The landscape features dry grass and sparse vegetation.
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A rider on a fat bike navigating a snowy trail surrounded by trees, with a sign indicating trail conditions in the background. The foreground features a close-up of the fat bike's large tires, emphasizing the winter cycling environment.
  4
A muddy trail in a wooded area, featuring tire tracks and scattered leaves, with a semi-transparent symbol in the center that resembles sound waves.
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A mountain biker riding along a narrow dirt trail surrounded by lush green ferns and trees, with sunlight filtering through the foliage.
  3
Group of seven men posing in front of a white van, with several mountain bikes nearby. They are outdoors on a sunny day, smiling and wearing casual clothing. The background features trees and a gravel area.
A group of cyclists lined up at the starting line of a fat bike race, dressed in various winter cycling gear. The scene is set in a snowy environment, with orange cones marking the course. Trees and a building can be seen in the background, hinting at a chilly, overcast day.
Alt text: A group of three mountain bikers riding uphill on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery and wildflowers, with mountains in the background.
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A pair of black cycling shoes placed on a baking tray made of aluminum foil inside an open oven. The oven's interior is dimly lit, showcasing the shoes on the rack.
  6
A winter landscape showing a bike leaning against a tree, surrounded by snow and dried grass. The scene captures a serene outdoor environment with a lake in the background and bare trees with some remaining autumn leaves. A graphic overlay of concentric circles is present, suggesting a theme of motion or connectivity.
A black and red mountain bike leaning against a rocky surface, set against an outdoor landscape with a gravel and dirt background. The bike features thick tires suitable for rugged terrain and has a sleek design with visible gears and components.
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Two mountain bike tires positioned closely together, showcasing their detailed tread patterns. In the background, a blurred scene of a sporting event with branding and tents is visible.
A mountain biker catching air while jumping off a dirt ramp in a wooded trail. A second bike is visible in the background, partially obscured by trees. The image captures a dynamic moment in off-road cycling, surrounded by lush greenery.
A panoramic view of a mountainous landscape featuring rolling hills, patches of green grass, and scattered rocks under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. A stylized icon representing connectivity or signals is overlaid in the center of the image.
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