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
 
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Ever had a GPS freeze up on a ride?
Jun 1, 2007
  1
Mountain Bike Trails
How many mountain bike trails is enough?
Jun 1, 2007
  4
A CD case for Magellan's MapSend Topo 3D software, featuring a colorful design with a map preview in the bottom right corner, and text indicating compatibility with various Magellan GPS receivers. The top section includes the Magellan logo and the title "MapSend Topo 3D."
Mountain Bikes and Gear
MapSend Topo 3D USA: Does the job
May 31, 2007
A promotional poster for "On the Road to Athens," featuring a cyclist wearing a helmet and focused on riding, with a background of an American flag. The design includes text highlighting the event and sponsors.
Culture
Off Road to Athens MTB Film: Great
May 30, 2007
A close-up view of a speedometer displaying speed in miles per hour (MPH) and kilometers per hour (km/h), with a red and white illuminated design.
Culture
Are you fast or slow? Epic or not?
May 29, 2007
  3
Logo for Singletracks, featuring a stylized mountain graphic above the word "singletracks" with the tagline "bike the net" below.
Community
Mystery revealed: Singletrack vs. Singletracks
May 28, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Refurbished, custom bikes in UK: Flip this bike
May 26, 2007
  1
Book cover titled "Mountain Biking Georgia" by Alex Nutt, featuring a scenic trail with two mountain bikers riding through a wooded area. The design includes bold text and is likely aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.
Mountain Bike Trails
Finding new bike trails: Books vs. websites
May 25, 2007
  1
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Mountain Bike Trails
IMBA Trail Care Crew at Tsali June 2-3
May 24, 2007
A collection of silver rings with textured designs, displayed against a dark background.
Culture
Biking AND a wedding ring
May 24, 2007
  2
Screenshot of the Garmin Training Center application showing a training activity. The display includes a map with a highlighted route represented by yellow dots around a lake, along with performance data such as elapsed time, distance, average speed, calories burned, and heart rate statistics. The bottom section features a graph comparing elevation and heart rate over distance.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Motionbased Review: Take 1
May 23, 2007
  1
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Mountain Bikes and Gear
How baggy are your bike shorts?
May 22, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Mountain Bike Trails
New loop at Itusi officially opens Saturday
May 22, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Community
Ales and Trails: Brilliant
May 21, 2007
  1
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Culture
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort to Reopen Mountain Bike Park
May 18, 2007
  1
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Magellan eXplorist 400 review: Good
May 17, 2007
  1
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Mountain Bike Trails
New trails in unlikely spot: NYC
May 16, 2007
A person holding a damaged bicycle helmet, looking intently at the camera. The helmet is cracked and shows signs of significant impact, emphasizing the importance of safety gear in cycling.
Culture
Truck runs over biker's head
May 16, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Sideways bicycle?
May 15, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Mountain Bike Trails
Singletrack for beginners
May 14, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS tips for mountain biking
May 11, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Community
Mountain bike world championships: Sept 3-9 in Ft. William, Scotland
May 10, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Culture
The sticky business of bike retailing
May 10, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
Legend Park is legendary
May 9, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Culture
Europeans love to bike (though not necessarily off road)
May 8, 2007
  4
Exterior of a Trek Bicycle Store, featuring a brick façade, green awnings, and large windows displaying bicycles. A parked car with a bike rack loaded with bicycles is in the foreground, and parking lines are visible in the lot.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Trek Concept Store: Not clear
May 7, 2007
  1
A group of mountain bikers riding through a rock-lined path underneath a highway, with concrete pillars supporting the structure above. The terrain features winding trails and earthy surroundings, providing a unique biking experience in an urban environment.
Mountain Bike Trails
New MTB trails in downtown Seattle
May 4, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Community
Forget Everest: Mountain bike race in Nepal
May 4, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Community
Sorry for the lack of news
May 2, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Culture
Knowing your limits versus building your MTB skills
Apr 30, 2007
Alt text: Movie poster for "2 Solo," featuring a mountain biker in action and a close-up of a cyclist's face, with the tagline "One man's quest for a 7th world title and the punishment he'll take to get it." Brands like Volkswagen, Trek, and Nike are also featured.
Culture
24 Solo mountain bike movie
Apr 27, 2007
  1
A winding dirt path through a forest with tall, bare trees and a view of distant mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Leaf litter covers the ground alongside the trail, and patches of green vegetation are visible.
Mountain Bike Trails
Douthat trip not all that
Apr 21, 2007
  2
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Community
Julian 7500 Death March as tough as Leadville?
Apr 19, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Community
Floyd Landis competing at Teva Mountain Games
Apr 18, 2007
A close-up image of a bicycle handlebar mirror, featuring a round reflective surface attached to a black adjustable arm and a textured grip.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mirror for a mountain bike?
Apr 18, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Culture
Equestrians gone wild
Apr 17, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Magellan eXplorist 200: Not for bikers
Apr 16, 2007
  2
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Community
Crankworx Colorado
Apr 16, 2007
A scenic view of a rocky landscape featuring a winding dirt path, with a cyclist riding along the trail. The background showcases a river meandering through the valley, surrounded by hills and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Community
Good chance to ride the Kokopelli trail
Apr 13, 2007
  2
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB trail access: Illegal trails
Apr 13, 2007
  3
Community
Klunkerz MTB documentary screening at Newport Beach Film Festival
Apr 12, 2007
Logo of TopoFusion featuring a stylized globe with an elevation graph and the text "topofusion.com."
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS software review: TopoFusion
Apr 12, 2007
  2
Culture
Indoor mountain biking
Apr 11, 2007
I've never seen this happen before: On a ride today, my Garmin Edge 305 completely locked up. It was toward the end of a 30 mile ride and I noticed the map seemed a little off - we were coming up on a turn we had made earlier but according to the map screen we were still a couple miles away. It appeared the GPS was still tracking (the trailing track was still "growing") but it was at least 2 miles behind. I tried changing modes (screens) with no response. Tried hitting the Start/Stop button: nothing. Then I tried to power it down and even that didn't seem to work after holding the button for several seconds. After releasing the power button the GPS finally turned itself off about 10 seconds later. It came back to life after turning it back on but clearly it had missed some data. Has anyone else ever had a GPS just lock up on them like Windows 95 on a 486? I had always assumed (and even experienced) reliable service from my GPS but now I wonder if newer models are getting more complicated and therefore more prone to bugs?
Mountain Bike Trails
Voice your opinions in Oregon
Apr 11, 2007
A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain, leaning forward as they ride downhill over a steep, uneven surface under a clear blue sky.
Mountain Bike Trails
Pickin' your lines
Apr 10, 2007
Culture
Responsible New England riders & Marin whiners
Apr 9, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB trail access: Do bikes damage trails?
Apr 6, 2007
  1
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mac GPS Pro review: Solid but...
Apr 6, 2007