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 bicycle wheel showing a tire with a black valve stem, next to a bottle of TPU Tube Sealant and a carbon fiber tire lever. The background features green moss and small plants, highlighting a natural outdoor setting.
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Close-up of an orange Ari mountain bike frame, featuring the word "ARI" visibly displayed along the side. The image captures the handlebars, front fork, and part of the wheel, set against a background of rocky terrain.
  6
A man riding a bicycle on a pump track in an urban park. He is wearing a helmet and a patterned shirt, smiling as he navigates the course. In the background, there is a modern building labeled "URBANZ" and several people engaging with a play area featuring swings. The sky is partly cloudy with a blue backdrop.
  5
A mountain bike with a sleek gold frame parked on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery and fallen leaves. The bike features a black front fork, thick tires, and a prominent gear setup, highlighting its readiness for outdoor adventures.
  10
Two mountain bikers help each other lift a bike over a fallen log in a wooded area. One biker is holding the front wheel while the other supports the frame, both are wearing helmets and outdoor gear. The surrounding trees are bare, indicating early spring.
  13
A colorful bicycle shop interior featuring a variety of bicycles on display, including road and mountain bikes. The walls are adorned with bicycle-themed posters, and shelves showcase bike accessories such as tires and grips. The ambiance is vibrant, with a mix of urban art and organized merchandise.
  4
Alt text: A black Five Ten Freerider Pro cycling shoe featuring a BOA closure system and red detailing, positioned against a light gray background. The shoe is designed for optimal performance and grip in biking activities.
A bicycle technician adjusts the handlebars of a blue mountain bike using a cordless drill. The bike is mounted on a repair stand, and the technician is smiling while wearing sunglasses and a patterned shirt. In the background, tools and equipment are organized on stands.
A close-up view of a mountain bike's drivetrain, featuring a green frame, a rear cassette with multiple gears, and a derailleur. The bike is positioned on a stand, and a black background with the text "Cascade Components" is partially visible. The tire has "Eliminator Grid Trail" embossed on it.
  1
A winding dirt trail surrounded by trees and shrubs, with visible rocky terrain on one side. The path is lined with fallen leaves and leads into a wooded area in a natural setting.
A gray cycling t-shirt, a black and silver XTR bicycle pedal, a black bike rack, and a TOPEAK PrepStation tool box are displayed on a green background, with a promotional tag indicating a 20% discount.
Close-up of a bicycle handlebar stem featuring a blue finish with silver star designs, attached to a black handlebar with branding. Bike cables are visible, set against a blurred outdoor background.
  1
Close-up of a bicycle frame in bright blue with yellow and white graphics. The frame shows some visible damage, including scratches and a cracked area on the top tube. The background is a dark surface, emphasizing the bike's vibrant colors.
  13
Close-up view of a mountain bike front wheel, highlighting the suspension forks with gold accents and a black tire featuring a knobby tread pattern. A measuring tape is positioned alongside the forks, indicating attention to bike setup and maintenance. In the background, people are blurred, suggesting a lively outdoor event or trade show.
  4
Close-up view of a complex mechanical gearbox assembly featuring interlocking gears and a chain. The assembly is partially transparent, showcasing the intricate details of the components including bearings, chains, and gear teeth, set against a light background.
  1
A vibrant purple Stinner Tunnel steel hardtail mountain bike is positioned on a grassy patch, with a blurred natural landscape in the background. The bike features a sturdy frame, wide tires, and detailed components, showcasing its readiness for outdoor adventures.
Close-up view of a mountain bike's front fork, featuring an orange FOX logo and a visible disc brake rotor, set against a blurred background of grass.
  2
Close-up of a mountain bike wheel featuring a partially visible chain and a distinctive tan-colored tire sidewall, set against a background of leaves and earth.
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a forested area. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and casual athletic clothing, navigating through large stones and uneven terrain surrounded by trees and greenery.
  5
A green gravel bike with muddy tires, parked on a gravel path surrounded by trees and foliage. The bike features a sleek design with a curved frame and drop handlebars, showcasing its off-road capabilities.
  1
A close-up image of a bicycle tire featuring a black tread with spikes, arching over a bright yellow rim. The tire is mounted on a wheel with a visible valve for inflation, emphasizing its unique design and color contrast. The background is plain white.
  2
A close-up view of a black bicycle seat, featuring a streamlined design with perforated patterns for added grip and comfort. The word "ROCKET" is embossed on the side of the seat. In the background, green ivy leaves create a natural setting.
  1
A black mountain bike with "Santa Cruz" branding, featuring large wheels and wide tires, is suspended in mid-air against a backdrop of orange sand dunes under a clear blue sky.
A row of mountain bikes parked outside a shop, with several bike frames and wheels visible. The bikes feature various colors and designs, prominently displaying the brand "Transition." The setting includes a rustic wooden railing and the exterior of a building with windows reflecting the surrounding area.
  31
A display of two mountain biking helmets and three pairs of cycling shoes, arranged against a bright orange background. The helmets are in shades of gray and teal, showcasing their ventilation features. The shoes include options designed for various cycling styles, with colors of olive green, navy blue, and black, all branded with the Bontrager logo.
  1
A winding dirt path through a grassy field surrounded by tall green pine trees under a clear blue sky.
  4
Five exercise resistance bands of various colors (brown, pink, orange, yellow, and teal) are neatly arranged on a white slatted surface, surrounded by green grass and fallen leaves. Each band is coiled at one end.
  13
A collection of outdoor apparel and accessories on a blue background, including a red hooded jacket, a black and gray patterned t-shirt, green and black pants, and two types of bags with the "Outdoor Research" logo.
Close-up of a bicycle handlebar attachment featuring a light with a visible LED beam and a GPS device mounted above it, set against a blurred green background of foliage.
  2
Close-up view of a Cane Creek eeWings titanium crankset featuring a black chainring, stainless steel crank arm, and a silver chain. The tire and bike frame are partially visible in the background, indicating an outdoor setting.
  3
An overhead view of a bicycle crank arm and pedal, showcasing a silver metal crank arm connected to a black chainring, with water droplets on its surface. The background includes earthy soil and greenery, with a hint of colorful bike accessories blurred above.
  3
A high-end mountain bike with a sleek, dark frame and vibrant red components parked beside a body of water. The bike features wide tires designed for off-road terrain, front suspension forks, and a prominent rear shock, emphasizing its performance capabilities. The background includes a stone wall and greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
  2
Image showcasing a "Big Spring Sale" with various outdoor and sports gear items on a yellow background. Featured items include a mountain bike tire, a DJI Action camera, Nuun sport hydration tablets, a Crankbrothers multi-tool, and a Cyclplus device, all appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists.
  2
A pair of feet wearing colorful sneakers, resting on a textured reddish-brown rock surface. The shoes have turquoise and pink laces, with visible detailing on the sides and soles.
  12
A child wearing a helmet rides a Giant Pre rCarbon balance bike on a sloped surface, focusing intently while leaning forward. The background features green grass and a blurred landscape.
Close-up view of a mountain bike's front suspension fork and handlebars, featuring a frame labeled "Commencal Bikes." The fork has orange and black components, with blue knobs for adjustments, and the tire shows dirt, indicating off-road use. The background consists of natural greenery.
Two mountain bikers stand side by side on a gravel path surrounded by greenery. The first rider, on the left, wears a black t-shirt and a white helmet, holding a light-colored bike. The second rider, on the right, is wearing a patterned long-sleeve shirt and a blue helmet, standing next to a dark bike with bright red accents. Lush trees and hills are visible in the background, creating a scenic outdoor setting.
  3
A close-up image of a tool labeled "crankbrothers" nestled among budding green leaves and thin branches in a natural setting.
Alt text: A collage of various mountain bikes in different colors and styles, with the text "SPRING MTB SALE" prominently featured in orange and purple.
Close-up view of a mountain bike's drivetrain, showcasing a red and black gearbox, chainring, and crankset. The image highlights the mechanical details, with a focus on the precision engineering elements and textured tire in the background.
  12
Close-up of a cyclist's legs beside a high-performance mountain bike, featuring the bike's sleek frame with the brand "CANYON" visible. The cyclist wears dark shorts and has a tattoo on their leg, while two water bottles are mounted on the bike's frame. The background shows a natural, dirt pathway surrounded by greenery.
Close-up of a bicycle handlebar grip with a black lever and cable mechanism, set against a blurred green background. The handle features textured rubber for grip, and the lever showcases a distinct design with the brand logo.
  9
A mountain biker navigating a rocky terrain in a forested area. The rider is leaning forward on the bike, wearing a helmet and gloves, showcasing focus and determination. The ground is covered in moss and scattered rocks, with trees visible in the background.
  1
Close-up of a mountain bike tire with the text "Kryptotal" prominently displayed in yellow. The tire features a rugged tread pattern designed for off-road terrain, with visible details showing the tire's design and construction. Background includes a blurred view of natural surroundings, suggesting an outdoor setting.
Image depicting bicycle-related gear, including a blue bike repair stand, a gray bike travel bag, a black helmet, and a bike rack. The background features a soft gradient of mountain landscapes.
A cyclist wearing a helmet and a t-shirt stands smiling in the foreground, with a large concrete dam in the background. Surrounded by rocky terrain and trees, the scene is set under a partly cloudy sky. A dirt path leads toward the dam.
  14
Two bicycle wheels are displayed side by side against a white background. The wheels feature black rims with a blue accent on the outer edge. The spokes are metallic and intricately arranged, and the hubs are black. The wheels are positioned at an angle, showcasing their structure and design.
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