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 mountain bike propped against a wall, showcasing its white frame, large tires, and various components like a shock absorber and water bottle holder. The background features a neutral-colored wall and a window with a sheer curtain, along with another bike visible in the lower part of the image.
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Close-up view of an adjustable shock component on a mountain bike, featuring a black and blue design with visible adjustment knobs and wires. The image captures the detail of the shock's interface against a blurred background of natural outdoor elements.
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A mountain biker in a bright yellow and black outfit falls onto the ground, surrounded by a cloud of dust. The bike is upside down, with one wheel in the air, as debris scatters around the scene.
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Close-up view of a bicycle's front fork and tire, showcasing a textured, knobby tire designed for off-road terrain. The shiny red frame of the bike contrasts with the grassy background, highlighting the bike's robust construction and readiness for adventure.
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A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, lined with trees and scattered with autumn leaves. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating dappled light on the ground.
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Alt tag: Side view of a green Bontrager cycling shoe with a black and orange sole, featuring a Boa dial closure and perforated detailing.
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A diagram illustrating the geometry of a mountain bike frame, with labeled measurements including Effective Top Tube (ETT), Reach, Head Tube Angle (HTA), Stack, Seat Tube Angle (STA), Chainstay, Bottom Bracket Height, and Wheelbase. The frame is depicted in a simplified silhouette format.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over a dirt ramp in a wooded area, surrounded by tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves. The rider is mid-air with both wheels off the ground, showcasing their skills and technique.
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A bright orange mountain bike with a robust frame and large, treaded tires. The bike features a modern design with a prominent brand logo, a dual-suspension system, and a gear setup visible on the rear wheel. The handlebars are equipped with grips and a brake lever, showcasing its readiness for rugged terrains.
A mountain biker riding swiftly around a dirt trail in a wooded area, with a blurred foreground showing a pile of dirt and pine needles. The scene captures the excitement of biking in nature. Mo-Flo mountain bike trail.
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A close-up profile of a person wearing a beige mountain bike helmet and black sunglasses, sitting on grass. The helmet features ventilation holes and branding from the State Bicycle Company. The background is blurred with natural greenery.
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A compact Insta360 camera resting on a wooden surface, showcasing a black and red design. The camera features a prominent lens on the left and a small screen with control buttons on the right, set against a blurred background of trees and greenery.
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A pair of black athletic shoes with a sleek design, featuring a smooth upper, round toe, and red rubber outsole. The shoes have a lace-up closure and perforated accents for breathability.
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A group of ten individuals in mountain biking gear, standing on a rocky path with a scenic view in the background. They are smiling and posing for the camera, holding an American flag at the center. The group is wearing matching green shirts and includes both men and women. A mountain bike is visible on the ground nearby. The sky is clear with some clouds, and trees surround the area.
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A cyclist navigating a muddy trail surrounded by greenery and tall grass, wearing a helmet and dark clothing. The biker is focused and leaning forward as they maneuver their bike along a winding dirt path in a forested area.
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A red trail building machine is positioned on a hillside, with a worker operating a small excavator in the background. The machine is designed to help shape and maintain dirt paths, and the area shows freshly cleared soil amidst greenery and rocky terrain.
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A mountain biker in mid-air jumps off a rocky terrain while another cyclist rides along a path beside a road under a clear blue sky. Surrounding trees and a wooden fence create a natural backdrop for the scene.
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A person wearing a helmet and sunglasses is riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail through a lush, green forest. They are in mid-air, performing a jump, with trees and foliage surrounding the path. The sunlight filters through the leaves, illuminating the scene.