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
 
Sock with a cartoon chicken design, featuring a red and white color scheme and the text "Ya Clucken" printed on the side, displayed on a wooden surface.
A smiling man swimming underwater, giving a thumbs-up gesture while wearing a waterproof device on his arm. The background features a clear blue ocean with coral visible below. The text "music.gives.Joy" is overlaid on the image.
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
  2
Alt text: A Suunto watch with a digital display, accompanied by a heart rate monitor strap and a sensor. The watch features a round face and a black rubber band, while the sensor and strap are in black with the Suunto logo.
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Image of a t-shirt featuring a graphic design related to downhill mountain biking. The shirt is olive green with an orange and gray color scheme. The main elements include the letters "DH" and "MTB," along with the text "DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKETEAM." An illustration of a cyclist riding downhill is prominently displayed, accompanied by directional arrows and warning symbols. The design suggests a focus on mountain biking and adventure sports.
  2
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
  4
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Close-up of a DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 GPS device mounted on a bike handlebar, displaying a detailed map with a speed reading of 0.2 mph. The device features an orange casing with various buttons for navigation.
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
  2
Leah was shopping for some crazy mountain bike socks for my Christmas present (I like to wear them with casual clothing) but had a hard time finding socks that were crazy enough. She tried <a target="_blank" title="REI" href="http://www.rei.com/" rel="noopener">REI</a> and when she asked the guy where the "crazy" bike socks were he told her, "This is a <em>family store</em>, we don't really carry that kind of stuff" (no embellishment required, that's verbatim what he said).

She also went to <a target="_blank" title="Performance Bike" href="http://www.performancebike.com/" rel="noopener">Performance</a> and all the socks they had were mostly black, white, and grey. She was able to snag a couple pairs of solid colored Performance brand socks (red and blue) but was otherwise disappointed. All this makes me wonder: Did something happen to Sock Guy? Is he recovering from a serious cycling-related injury? Are his sock-making elves on strike?

An alternative explanation is, of course, that I am horribly out of touch with the current style in bicycle-related clothing. I mean, is it possible the socks I have with chickens on them that say 'Ya Chicken!' on the bottoms are no longer de rigeur? Is neon-orange passe? Personally I'm disappointed. Mountain bikers are not known to be conformists in their recreation choices so it's unfair to expect them to make conservative footwear fashion choices. I say bring back the Sock Guy and his flair for the unconventional - I have an idea for some aligator themed socks I'm dying to tell him about...
<p align="center"><img width="190" height="213" alt="Chicken socks" id="image14" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
  1
A cyclist riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a wooded area during late autumn, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves. The cyclist is wearing a red helmet and a pink shirt, actively navigating the path.
  1