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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail surrounded by trees, wearing a helmet and a red long-sleeve shirt. The scene is well-lit with natural sunlight filtering through the foliage, and the rider appears to be enjoying the ride while navigating the terrain.
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A man wearing a cap and glasses carries a chainsaw on his shoulder while walking through a wooded area. He is smiling and wearing a t-shirt with a graphic design. In the background, another person can be seen holding equipment as they work in the forest. The image is in black and white.
A close-up image of a cyclist's hands gripping the handlebars of a mountain bike, set against a blurred natural background. The cyclist is wearing a long-sleeved, purple jersey with a subtle brand logo on the arm. The bike features distinctive markings and is partially covered in dirt, indicating recent use on a rugged trail.
Diagram comparing two bicycle handlebars, highlighting the difference between the overall length and the actual rise. The top section emphasizes that the stated measurement is not the rise, while the bottom section clearly labels the rise measurement. Both sections feature annotations in pink text for clarity.
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Image of various bike components including a suspension fork, brake levers, disc brakes, wheels, and a drivetrain assembly featuring a chainring and derailleur, arranged on a white background.
A mountain biker climbing a rocky path in a forested area, wearing a helmet and gloves, with a smile on his face. The cyclist is dressed in a light green shirt and dark pants, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
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A person wearing a white bicycle helmet with ventilation features and a gray strap, standing in a wooded area. They are dressed in a dark hoodie and sunglasses, looking thoughtfully to the side.
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Close-up of a metallic logo featuring flames and checkered flags, attached to the frame of a bicycle. The logo reads "Cycleworks Intense Racing USA." The background is blurred with natural greenery.
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Two rolled bicycle inner tubes are displayed on a wooden surface. The larger tube is black and secured with a black rubber band, while the smaller tube is bright pink and held together with a blue rubber band.
  17
A sleek and modern mountain bike in a light grey color, positioned above a bed of white clouds against a soft blue sky. The bike features thick black tires and a detailed gear system, showcasing its design for off-road performance.
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A robotic motorcycle is airborne in a high-tech indoor environment, surrounded by various equipment and machinery. The bike is illuminated with a glowing effect, emphasizing its movement as it jumps over a low table. The background features workstations and tools, highlighting a futuristic research or development space.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a wooded trail, surrounded by tall trees and greenery, with sunlight filtering through the foliage. The focus is on the cyclist as they navigate the path. Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) mountain bike trail.
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Cory Wallace navigates a rocky trail in a forested area, showcasing intense concentration and skill as they ride over uneven terrain. Bright sunlight filters through the trees, casting shadows on the path. A second cyclist can be seen in the background, adding to the dynamic scene.
A person in a plaid shirt is adjusting the rear axle of a blue children's bicycle, focusing on a bolt near the large tire that has dirt on it. Tools are visible in the foreground on a gravel surface.
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Collage of outdoor adventure equipment featuring a GPS device with a mapping screen, an inflatable blue kayak, a bike rack, a tent, a sleeping pad, and a Patagonia duffel bag, with the text “HAVE BIKE, will travel” prominently overlaying the image.
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Aerial view of a small town nestled in a valley, surrounded by mountains under a clear blue sky. The town features colorful houses and streets, with a winding river visible nearby, and forests covering the slopes of the mountains that encircle the area. Baker's Park mountain bike trail.
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Smiling woman outdoors, adjusting the hood of her navy blue jacket, with trees and blue sky in the background.
A collection of various packaged items, primarily featuring multipurpose clips or hooks, arranged on a wooden floor. The packages prominently display blue labels, with some showing price tags or inventory information. The items are organized in a scattered manner, showcasing a large quantity of the clips in different colors.
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A modern mountain bike with a sleek silver frame and wide tires sits on a bed of colorful autumn leaves in a forest setting. The bike features a sturdy front fork, a multi-speed gear system, and a minimalist design, surrounded by lush green foliage and trees in the background.
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Two mountain bikers navigating a rocky terrain while surrounded by lush green mountains under a clear sky during sunset.
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A close-up image of a metal bicycle brake pad lying on a concrete surface with patches of moss and dirt around it. The brake pad has a rectangular shape and a metallic frame, partially covered with a grayish material.
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A man in a formal suit and bowtie, reminiscent of a historical figure, rides a mountain bike on a scenic trail through a lush green valley surrounded by majestic mountains and a clear blue sky. Dust kicks up behind him as he navigates the path.
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A collection of bike accessories displayed on a pink gradient background, including a small pouch, a Garmin GPS device showing speed and distance metrics, a portable air pump, a multi-tool, and a pair of blue bike pedals.
Close-up of a gardening tool with a black, metal head and an orange handle, resting on soil scattered with dried leaves. The tool features a triangular design with multiple prongs, indicating its use for raking or cultivating soil in a garden setting.
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A bright Vampire red mountain bike frame is displayed outdoors on a wooden surface, with a mountainous landscape in the background. The frame features the word "Vampire" prominently on the side, and it includes a black shock absorber mounted in the center. The sky is partly cloudy, and the surrounding area has sparse vegetation typical of a desert environment.
A collage featuring various outdoor gear items, including a mountain bike, biking shorts, a cycling jacket, protective knee pads, goggles, bike forks, and shoes, with a prominent text overlay that reads "Deals of the Week."
Two female mountain bikers are smiling and posing together in a casual outdoor setting, wearing matching blue jerseys with a colorful design. They each have a bike, and their race numbers, 042 and 043, are displayed on pink numbers attached to their bikes. One rider wears sunglasses, while the other has a braided hairstyle. Background elements include a time clock and several other cyclists.
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