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 close-up image of a red bicycle frame with the brand name partially visible. The foreground features a thick tire with the brand "Kenda" printed on it. The background shows a blurred green natural setting, indicating an outdoor environment.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Introducing Heller Bikes
Sep 22, 2015
Close-up of a black bike frame featuring the word "SULTAN" in bold aqua letters, with droplets of water on its surface, set against a background of rough terrain.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Test Ride Review: Turner Sultan 27.5+
Sep 22, 2015
A vibrant coral helmet with black accents resting on a rock, set against a blurred natural background. The helmet features ventilation holes and a sturdy design, suitable for cycling or outdoor activities.
Culture
Interbike Announces Awards for Best MTB Products and Athletes of 2015
Sep 18, 2015
Sign for the U.S. National Whitewater Center, featuring the logo and text indicating it is a U.S. Olympic training site, set against a backdrop of trees.
Community
Interbike Launching East Coast Demo Event in October 2016
Sep 18, 2015
  1
A green fat bike is parked on rocky terrain, showcasing its oversized tires and sturdy frame. The background features a rugged landscape with mountains under a cloudy sky, suggesting an adventure-ready setting.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Test Ride Review: Ritchey Commando
Sep 17, 2015
A black mountain bike is positioned against a rocky outcrop in a desert landscape, featuring rugged terrain, dry bushes, and distant hills. The bike showcases front and rear suspension, wide tires, and a streamlined frame designed for off-road riding. The sky is partly cloudy, enhancing the outdoor setting.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Test Ride Review: KHS SixFifty 7500 Enduro Bike
Sep 16, 2015
Five individuals pose with their bicycles on top of a rocky outcrop, surrounded by a scenic mountainous landscape. The group appears to be enjoying a moment of camaraderie, with lush green forests and rolling hills in the background. The image captures a sense of adventure and the great outdoors.
Culture
2015 Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
Sep 14, 2015
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail through a mountainous landscape, surrounded by patches of grass and scattered boulders, with a cloudy sky overhead.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Yeti Announces More Affordable SB5c: The SB5 Enduro
Sep 14, 2015
A mountain bike positioned on grass with a scenic view of mountains and trees in the background. The bike has a sleek design with visible suspension components and rugged tires, set against a clear blue sky. The image conveys an outdoor adventure vibe, perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
News: Two Brand New FS Mountain Bikes from Fuji
Sep 10, 2015
A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by tall evergreen trees in a forested area. The rider is in mid-air, showcasing a dynamic pose while wearing a helmet and colorful riding gear.
Colorado
New Flow Trail Opens at Purgatory Resort in Durango, CO
Sep 10, 2015
A scenic mountain landscape featuring cyclists on a trail, with rocky peaks and green slopes in the background. Overlaid text displays "OUTLIER FESTIVAL," highlighting details about the event such as "LIFT-SERVED DEMO - 3-STAGE ENDURO - ULTRA XC - $25,000 CASH PURSE - SEP 25-27, 2015 - VAIL, CO."
Community
Outlier Offroad Festival in Vail September 26-27
Sep 8, 2015
A mountain biker expertly navigates a dirt trail, leaning into a curve surrounded by greenery. He wears a helmet and a blue jersey, demonstrating skill as he rides over rocky terrain.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Cannondale Recalls 23,000 Mountain Bikes for Stem and Steering Tube Issues
Sep 4, 2015
A black and green mountain bike is positioned on grass with a backdrop of tall grass and trees under a clear blue sky. The bike features thick, treaded tires and a sleek frame designed for off-road riding.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Test Ride Review: GHOST Riot 7 LC Trail Bike
Sep 2, 2015
  2
Close-up view of a black bicycle tire with a textured tread pattern designed for grip and traction on various surfaces.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
WTB Announces New 27.5+ Tire: The Trail Boss 3.0
Sep 1, 2015
A detailed image of the Lazer Revolution FF helmet, showcasing its unique styling, adjustable visor, removable chin guard, and the ATS® fit system. Features labeled include an SMS mounting system for cameras and accessories. The helmet is designed for optimal safety and performance in cycling.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Revolution Full Face Helmet from Lazer Features Removable Chin Guard and Helmet Cam Mount
Aug 27, 2015
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Norco Announces 27.5+ Bike: The Torrent 7
Aug 27, 2015
A mountain biker performs a jump off a dirt ramp, with a wooden platform labeled "Keystone" in the background, surrounded by tall trees and a mountainous landscape.
Community
Video: Keystone Bike Park's Newly-Remodeled TNT Trail
Aug 25, 2015
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail surrounded by greenery, with trees on either side and a blurred background of a grassy hillside. Dust is kicked up behind the bike as the rider navigates the terrain.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
New 27.5+ Jab and e-Jab Plus Bikes from Bianchi
Aug 24, 2015
A mountain biker in motion riding over a wooden log on a forested trail, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing dynamic action and skill.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Pivot Announces Revamped Mach 6, New Aluminum Version
Aug 24, 2015
  1
8 must visit mountain bike getaway resorts mulberry gap
Mountain Bike Trails
8 Must-Visit Mountain Bike Getaway Resorts (Updated)
Aug 24, 2015
  7
Infographic titled "Best MTB Gear 2015" featuring a pie chart and bar graph. The pie chart displays the distribution of different gear types with sections labeled 1X, 2X, and 3X, highlighting 1X as the largest segment. The bar graph lists various gear configurations, with 2X10 having the highest value, followed by 1X11, 1X10, 3X9, 2X11, and 3X10.
Culture
The Best Mountain Bikes and MTB Products of 2015
Aug 17, 2015
  5
A cyclist navigating a rocky trail on a mountain bike, surrounded by desert vegetation and cacti, under a clear blue sky.
Mountain Bike Trails
2015 IMBA Epics: 6 More Trails to Add to Your Bucket List
Aug 14, 2015
  3
A close-up image of a modern bicycle frame, featuring a sleek design in a combination of white and black, with red accents. The frame has a distinctive geometric shape, showcasing areas for cable routing and mounting points. The branding "Fatback" is prominently displayed along the side. The background is plain white, emphasizing the frame's design and details.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
News: Fatback Announces Two New Fat Bike Models
Aug 14, 2015
A close-up view of a wooden workbench corner with visible markings on the wood, set against a background of tools and storage containers on a pegboard wall. The image captures the texture of the wood and the organized workspace atmosphere.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
DIY: How to Build Your Own Bike Workbench
Aug 11, 2015
A person using a chainsaw to cut through a fallen tree in a lush, green forest. Surrounding vegetation includes moss-covered ground, ferns, and dense trees. The individual is wearing a helmet and protective gear.
Mountain Bike Trails
Massive Trail Work Project Makes Te Iringa Trail in NZ More Accessible to Mountain Bikers
Aug 4, 2015
A man stands next to a bicycle with a cart attached, which has a sign that reads "FAT GUY ACROSS AMERICA." He is wearing a black shirt and shorts, and a white bicycle helmet is resting on the cart. The background features greenery and a gravel path.
MTB Tips
Biking for Weight Loss: 560lb Man Sets Off on Ride Across America
Aug 3, 2015
Infographic titled "What Mountain Bikers Do" illustrating the professions of mountain bikers to support their hobby. The chart displays various occupations such as IT/Technology, Manager, Student, and more, along with their corresponding counts. It categorizes professions into white collar, blue collar, and bike industry roles, along with a pie chart representation of these categories. Notable occupations are listed at the bottom, highlighting unique jobs held by mountain bikers.
Culture
Mountain Bikers' Occupations: What We Do to Pay for Our Habit
Aug 3, 2015
  8
Alt text: "Exterior view of the Marin Museum of Bicycling, featuring a large bicycle sculpture at the entrance, a sign reading 'Marin Museum of Bicycling' and 'Mountain Bike Hall of Fame', and decorative bicycles mounted on the building."
Culture
Vote for the 2015 MTB Hall of Fame Inductees
Jul 30, 2015
  3
A mountain biker leaning into a turn on a dirt trail covered with autumn leaves, surrounded by lush green trees in a forest. Another cyclist can be seen in the background on a separate path.
Mountain Bike Trails
CAMBA Gala Fundraiser August 22 Features Pig Roast, Local Beer, and Live Music
Jul 29, 2015
Mountain bike resting beside a trail sign for the Arizona Trail, surrounded by green grass and tall pine trees. A gravel path winds through the landscape, inviting exploration.
Culture
Project WanderSpire Plans to Mountain Bike 8,800 Miles to Benefit Stroke Victims
Jul 29, 2015
  4
Black bicycle stem with a sleek design and white "Loaded" branding, featuring multiple bolts and a textured grip area.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
News: Loaded Precision Releases AmX 35 840mm Carbon Bars and 35mm Stems
Jul 28, 2015
An infographic displaying biking enthusiasts' favorite breweries across the United States. It includes a map highlighting popular breweries by state, a pie chart illustrating beer preferences categorized as import, craft, and macro, as well as a list of mountain bikers' favorite beers. The design features a bottle labeled "BEER" and visually presents data related to beer consumption among cyclists.
Culture
Mountain Bikers: We Like Beer
Jul 27, 2015
  5
A group of six cyclists riding on a red dirt road surrounded by green fields. The cyclists are wearing colorful jerseys and helmets, showcasing a mix of athleticism and enthusiasm as they navigate the terrain. The scene captures the excitement of mountain biking in a natural setting.
Community
Inaugural Mt. Kenya Epik Stage Race Set for This November
Jul 24, 2015
Image of a mountain bike suspension fork and a shock, displayed against a backdrop featuring a cyclist. The fork has a black design with red and silver branding, and the shock is smaller, with similar color accents. A product information card is visible, providing details about the items.
Culture
News: Marzocchi Closing Doors on MTB Business (Maybe)
Jul 23, 2015
A world map featuring highlighted areas in green, accompanied by the text "Under the Radar Mountain Bike Destinations." The background is dark with a grid pattern, and a radar graphic is visible in the top left corner.
Mountain Bike Trails
Shhh! 15 Under the Radar Mountain Bike Destinations
Jul 20, 2015
  12
A pair of black and lime green mountain biking shoes with a sleek design. The shoe features a Boa closure system for a secure fit, breathable mesh panels, and a sturdy rubber outsole with aggressive tread for enhanced grip on various terrains. The bottom view shows a Michelin-branded sole with deep lugs for traction.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
News: Northwave Announces Enduro-Specific Mountain Bike Shoe
Jul 17, 2015
A person wearing a black t-shirt is seen opening a black backpack, revealing a blue hydration reservoir inside. The individual is focused on organizing the contents of the bag against a plain white background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Limited Edition Mission Workshop Hauser Hydration Pack Costs $215 (Reservoir Not Included)
Jul 17, 2015
Two people stand near colorful tents on a grassy hilltop, overlooking a vast mountain range in the background. Two mountain bikes rest beside the red and blue tents, with a dramatic sky filled with clouds above. The scene captures a sense of adventure and the beauty of the outdoors.
Community
New 7-Day Stage Race Coming to New Zealand January, 2016: The Pioneer
Jul 16, 2015
  3
A mountain biker performs a jump over a rocky terrain, with dramatic mountain scenery in the background and a cross-shaped monument on the right. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the adventurous atmosphere of the scene.
Community
Video: 2015 Suzuki Nine Knights Event Trailer
Jul 16, 2015
A mountain biker performs a mid-air jump over a rocky canyon during an event, with a crowd of spectators watching from the edge of the cliff above. The sky is partly cloudy, and a large wooden structure with branding is visible in the background.
Community
Limited Tickets to Red Bull Rampage on Sale August 10
Jul 10, 2015
A white and red gravel bike leaning against a barbed wire fence, with a grassy field and rolling hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky. A water bottle is attached to the frame near the pedals, and the bike features black tires and handlebars.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Test Ride Review: Niner RLT 9 Gravel Bike
Jul 10, 2015
  2
Three views of a GoPro camera mounted on a black tripod. The camera has a square shape with a wide lens and is designed for action and adventure photography. It features a compact design and is shown from different angles.
Culture
New GoPro Hero4 is 50% Smaller Than Original!
Jul 6, 2015
A bright blue mountain bike parked in tall grass, with rolling hills and trees in the background under a clear sky. The bike features a lightweight frame and rugged tires, suggesting it is designed for outdoor trails.
Culture
News: Santa Cruz Bicycles Sold to Dutch Company
Jul 6, 2015
Close-up view of a Garmin bike GPS device mounted on the handlebars of a bicycle, displaying a map interface. The bike features a red frame and the background shows a blurred natural setting with greenery.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Adds New eTrex Units With Touchscreens
Jul 2, 2015
A graphic featuring a stylized Welsh dragon alongside the text "FIVE² RIDE WALES." The dragon is depicted in black on a grey background, and a location pin symbol in red highlights the "2" in "FIVE²."
Mountain Bike Trails
Five2Ride: Mountain Bike Trails in Wales
Jul 2, 2015
  1
A green fat bike with oversized tires, featuring a sturdy frame, wide handlebars, and a comfortable saddle. The bike is positioned on a white background, showcasing its distinctive design and rugged tires.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Rungu Dual Fork Mountain Bikes: Two Forks, One Bike
Jul 1, 2015
  4
A peaceful forest campsite featuring a circular fire pit surrounded by logs for seating. The area is lush with green grass and trees, creating a serene natural setting. Soft light filters through the trees, suggesting early morning or late afternoon.
Oregon
Mountain Bike Oregon: Kickstarter Campaign to Make "Randyland" a Reality
Jun 26, 2015
A group of mountain bikers assisting a person trapped in a narrow, debris-filled space, likely a collapsed structure. The scene shows dust and rubble around, and the bikers are focused on helping the individual while wearing helmets.
Culture
Mountain Bikers in Nepal Work to Rescue Earthquake Victims
Jun 26, 2015
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