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
Sweat-cooling insoles, long-travel fat bikes, anti-lock V-brakes, and art deco helmets—here are the weirdest products we spotted at Interbike this year.
Thomson expands beyond seatposts and stems with new carbon and titanium handlebars plus a premium Elite Dropper, prioritizing quality over affordability.
Pearl Izumi's X Project MTB shoe balances stiff power transfer with walk-friendly flexibility, weighing just 320g while keeping pros like Brian Lopes competitive.
Niterider's 2013 lighting lineup includes the blazing 3600-lumen Pro model, USB-rechargeable Lumina series, and innovative tail lights for night riding.
Funkier, Israel's #1 cycling apparel brand, impresses at Interbike with lightweight MTB shorts and innovative features like water-resistant jersey pockets and expandable rain shells.
The Intense Spider 29comp is a new full-carbon trail bike with 5 inches of travel that climbs efficiently and absolutely rips on descents.
The Turner Burner 650b impressed with its DW Link suspension and balanced trail performance, making wheel size fade into the background.
The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert EVO 29 is a lightweight, nimble long-travel trail bike that climbs almost as well as it descends.
We test ride the all-wheel-drive Tretta 29er at Interbike and discover surprising momentum conservation along with the expected climbing traction benefits.
SRAM's new XX1 11-speed drivetrain eliminates chain retention devices with clutch technology and offers a massive 10-42 gear range for 1x setups.
A skeptical grip shift critic becomes a believer after testing SRAM's redesigned X0 shifters, praising their lighter weight and improved control.
Based on user reviews, we've compiled the best mountain bike gear of 2012 across 20 categories, from complete bikes to accessories.
MOMBAT in Statesville, NC houses 370+ vintage mountain bikes and rare parts, making it a must-visit pilgrimage for any MTB history enthusiast.
Steamboat Springs' Emerald Mountain offers stunning backcountry singletrack through aspen forests and wildflower meadows, just blocks from downtown.
A wrong turn, extreme heat, and a broken bike turned an Arkansas epic into a survival situation requiring a 911 rescue call.
Gateway Off Road Cyclists and Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers each win $500 grants to build and maintain local singletrack trails.
After 12 years and countless miles, a beloved Trek 7000 finds new life with a rider who appreciates its perfect fit and storied history.
The "World's Greatest" trail near Vail delivers chalky descents and incredible views, though Eagle's Boneyard trail might actually steal the show.
Learn how to create accurate mountain bike trail maps using GPS data with tips on route planning, device settings, and post-ride editing.
IMBA earns a 4-star Charity Navigator rating, with 88% of funds supporting programs and revenue balanced between consulting, memberships, and corporate support.
Buffalo Creek earns its #1 ranking with something for everyone, while technical Blackjack trail and fast-descending Lair O' the Bear impress visiting riders.
Boulder offers world-class Valmont Bike Park, scenic open space trails, and IMBA headquarters, proving it's more MTB-friendly than its reputation suggests.
We review the Race Face Turbine mountain bike riser handlebar and stem.
Kansas delivers surprising singletrack: 22 miles of rocky, undulating trail at Wilson State Park's Switchgrass system proves the Sunflower State has mountain biking.
Mountain bike 100-milers are tougher than marathons, taking three times longer to complete—here's how to choose the right dirty century for you.
The RaceFace Turbine 2x10 crankset delivers crisp shifting and all-mountain durability at 822 grams, proving the resurrected brand is back in form.
Singletracks explores two mountain bike trails in Chattanooga, TN, a city that was recently named a top outdoor destination.
Not everyone wants to race their mountain bike 100 miles. If you want to ride - and finish - a dirty century for fun, this is the plan for you.
The Tyke Toter attaches to your seatpost, letting toddlers ride up front where they can see the action and you can monitor them.
A first-timer's grueling 13-hour journey through the Cohutta 100's challenging terrain, complete with broken spokes, water shortages, and hard-earned glory.
Singletracks reveals its product review process: no paid reviews, editorial independence from advertisers, and transparency about keeping gear samples.
SORBA Woodstock's Pedalpalooza festival at Blankets Creek features group rides, skills clinics, demos, and a Super D race on May 5th.
An 8-hour, 71-mile solo training ride exposes mental barriers more challenging than the physical demands of preparing for a first 100-mile race.
GPS units combine cycling computer and trail map functions, using basemaps for orientation and track logs to help navigate unfamiliar mountain bike trails.
Louis Garneau Porcupine MTB shorts offer the perfect length, removable chamois, and superior breathability for long rides without typical baggy short compromises.
Singletracks is offering two $500 trail grants to mountain bike clubs with the most members registered on singletracks.com by June 1, 2012.
Mountain biking is shifting from adapting bikes to conquer existing trails toward building purpose-built trails designed specifically for modern mountain bike capabilities.
A new 119,000-square-foot indoor fatbike park opening near Moab will feature sand pits, a freezer room, and real slickrock with a roof overhead.
**Excerpt:**
Survey reveals most mountain bikers have ridden just 5.5 trail systems, while 83% will drive 25+ miles for epic singletrack adventures.
Mountain Creek Bike Park opens May 5 with new ownership, hosting a Pro GRT event May 20 and offering discounted season passes through opening day.
The Avid Elixir 9 hydraulic disc brakes deliver crisp modulation, powerful stopping, and easy installation with refined TaperBore technology and tool-free adjustments.
Training for the Cohutta 100 means logging serious miles in miserable conditions, including a 65-mile fog-soaked ride through the North Georgia mountains.
Mountain bikers still prefer local bike shops (62%) over online retailers (25%) for gear purchases, though half also shop online for deals.
The Five Points trail system in northwest Georgia offers 20+ miles of expertly-crafted singletrack through reclaimed coal mining land with surprising technical features.
The Fox 32 Float 100 FIT Terralogic fork delivers responsive XC performance with Kashima-coated stanchions and automatic compression adjustment that eliminates mid-ride fiddling.
Here's a one-sentence excerpt in Singletracks style:
Six unusual mountain bike destinations—from indoor parks to lava fields and highway underpasses—that'll add serious variety to your trail punch card.
Unauthorized mountain bike trails are popping up across the US, fueled by economic conditions, technology tools, and growing trail-building knowledge among riders.
With 57 days until the Cohutta 100, I'm dialing in my equipment, nutrition strategy, and fitness for my first century race.