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
 
Three individuals hike along a dirt trail surrounded by lush green trees. One person, wearing a black shirt and holding a walking stick, stands on the path while looking ahead. Another person, dressed in red, is slightly further back, and a third person is kneeling down, possibly examining the ground or adjusting something. The scene captures a peaceful moment in nature, showcasing the vibrant foliage and earthy trail.
A man in a denim outfit rides a mountain bike on a dirt path, leaning forward as he navigates the terrain. The background features lush green hills and a clear blue sky.
  8
A rugged fat bike with wide tires leans against a large rocky outcrop, set in a rocky terrain. The bike features a minimalist design and is covered in dust, indicating recent use in an outdoor setting.
  9
A person riding a mountain bike on a trail in a mountainous landscape, surrounded by green hills and rocky peaks under a partly cloudy sky. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and an orange and gray shirt, carrying a backpack.
  5
A mountain biker in protective gear jumps over a rocky terrain during a competitive event, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd. The scene captures the excitement and intensity of the race amidst a lush green forest backdrop.
  2
Close-up of a mountain bike brake caliper, showcasing its metallic components and the "ELXR" logo. The caliper appears slightly dirty, indicating use in outdoor conditions. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  4
A narrow dirt path meanders through a dense, foggy forest, with bare trees rising on either side. The scene evokes a sense of mystery and tranquility, as the fog obscures the view ahead.
  13
A person with short hair wearing a gray t-shirt and a black apron stands confidently with arms crossed in a workshop. The background features various tools organized on a pegboard, including wrenches and bike repair equipment.
  15
Logo for the 5 Points Recreation Area, featuring a stylized number 5 and the text "CLOUDLAND CONNECTOR" in a modern font, set against a background resembling a topographic map. The logo is enclosed in a triangular shape with a dark red and white color scheme.
  21
  1
A winding wooden pathway surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, showcasing the natural landscape and the design of the trail. The path curves gracefully, blending with the forest environment.
  11
A winding dirt trail through a dense forest of tall, straight trees, with a person in the distance wearing bright clothing. The ground is covered in pine needles and there are fallen branches along the path.
  12
A mountain bike with a muddy frame is leaning against a green military-style water tank in a wooded area. The ground is covered in dirt, indicating a rugged outdoor environment.
  13
A sign on a fence indicating "Propriedade Privada" (Private Property) with additional text about property rights, against a background of a rural setting featuring trees and a stone structure.
  13
A black mountain bike is positioned on a rocky surface in a wooded area, with trees and greenery in the background. The bike features larger tires and a sturdy frame, designed for off-road trails. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting shadows on the ground.
  6
A white cycling helmet with multiple ventilation holes, resting on green grass with some dried leaves nearby.
  7
A map of the United States showing varying levels of mountain biking trail solitude, with shades of green indicating different levels of solitude across various states. Darker shades represent areas with higher solitude, while lighter shades show lower solitude levels. The map includes Alaska and Hawaii, but the focus is primarily on the continental U.S. The title “MTB Trail Solitude” is displayed in the upper right.
  16
A group of people gathered around a bike display at an outdoor event. Two individuals are inspecting a mountain bike while others converse near a tent displaying the Giant brand. Various bicycles are lined up in front of the tent, surrounded by tall trees in a sunny setting.
  8
A close-up image of a bike bell attached to the handlebars of a bicycle. The bell has a shiny metallic surface, featuring a logo with a bicycle graphic and the word "SOMBA." The bell is secured with a black strap.
  21
  22
  10
  3
A Magellan GPS device displaying workout statistics including distance (7.90 miles), time (56:23), pace (7:48 per mile), and heart rate (162 bpm). The device is black with a sleek, modern design.
  4
A close-up image showing a hand holding a tube with a black crimping ferrule positioned on a green surface. The tube has its end exposed, revealing its inner structure.
  12
Mountain bikers navigating a winding trail through a forest in autumn, with colorful leaves scattered on the ground and trees lining the path.
  7
A black and red mountain bike positioned on a rocky outcrop, with a cloudy sky in the background and green hills visible in the distance. The bike features sturdy tires, front suspension, and a lightweight frame, indicating it's designed for off-road cycling.
  6
Alt tag: "Exterior of a bike shop named 'Absolute Bikes,' featuring a white building with red signage, large windows, and a few bicycles parked in front."
  14
Two mountain bikers ride down a dirt trail on a grassy hillside, with one biker jumping off a ramp while the other races closely behind. A ski lift can be seen in the background, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.
  13
A white and blue mountain bike with thick tires, a sleek frame, and front suspension, positioned on a plain background.
  2
A close-up of a tree trunk with a directional road sign affixed to it, in a forested area. A winding, unpaved road is visible in the background, surrounded by greenery and sparse autumn foliage. The scene is overcast, suggesting a cool, damp atmosphere.
  15
A bright pink bicycle positioned next to a decorated Christmas tree, creating a festive indoor scene. The tree is adorned with colorful ornaments and lights, while the warm wood floor adds to the cozy atmosphere.
  3
A group of cyclists walking through a shallow river while carrying their mountain bikes, set against a backdrop of mountains and a clear blue sky.
  3
A BMX rider performs a trick in mid-air, soaring over a rail at a crowded event. The audience, comprising both men and women, watches intently, capturing the excitement. Banners and promotional materials are visible in the background, indicating a biking or sports exhibition.
  5
  5
A close-up view of a black bicycle helmet with a mounted action camera on top, set against a backdrop of fallen leaves and blurred bicycles. The helmet features aerodynamic design elements, and the camera is centered for capturing footage while riding.
  10
Rocky trail winding through a rugged landscape with scattered red rocks, patches of green foliage, and dense vegetation in the background.
  16
A silver mountain bike with a large red bow is positioned next to a decorated Christmas tree. The tree is adorned with blue and gold ornaments, and a colorful blanket is draped on the floor beneath it.
  3
A mountain biker navigating a curved dirt trail in a wooded area, surrounded by trees and autumn foliage. The rider leans into the turn, showcasing their skill and control on the bike.
  7
A mountain biker riding along a trail surrounded by colorful autumn foliage, with a wooden trail sign labeled "GREEN'S LICK" and various trail markers visible.
  7
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a forested area, wearing a helmet and cycling gear, with a race number visible on the front of their bike. Sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting the natural scenery.
  7
A young child riding a bike on a dirt trail, leaning forward with excitement as dust kicks up behind. Lush greenery and bushes are visible in the background, suggesting a natural outdoor setting. The image captures a sense of adventure and carefree childhood.
  3
A black and yellow mountain bike is positioned on a rocky outdoor surface, surrounded by sparse trees and underbrush. The bike features thick, knobby tires, a lightweight frame, and disc brakes, suggesting it's designed for rugged terrain and off-road cycling. The scene is set in a natural environment, indicating a recreational biking area.
  6
  11
A pair of brown sunglasses resting on a bicycle component, with blurred greenery in the background, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A display showcasing various 29er tires at a trade show. The image features a variety of tires labeled as "multi-compound" and "studded 29er." Attendees are examining the products while informational panels can be seen in the background.
  4
A silver mountain bike with front suspension, standing on rocky, gravelly terrain, surrounded by sparse vegetation. The bike features thick tires suitable for off-road trails and has a sleek design ideal for mountain biking.
  2
  5