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
 
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Close-up image of a bicycle shock absorber, featuring a glossy black body with the text "DELUXE Ultimate" and "RockShox" branding. The shock is attached to a silver bike frame, showcasing the metallic finish and surrounding greenery in the background.
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A group of mountain bikers racing on a rugged track filled with gravel and dirt. One rider in the foreground, wearing a multi-colored jersey and focused expression, takes a sharp turn, while several other cyclists can be seen navigating the course behind. The background features trees and spectators, with flags marking the course. The atmosphere is dynamic and intense, showcasing competitive mountain biking.
A man sitting on the ground in a forested area, wearing a helmet, a plaid shirt, and cycling shorts. He is smiling while adjusting colorful, mismatched socks. A mountain bike is visible in the background, surrounded by rocks and foliage.
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A person holding a tire repair tool with a brown rubber plug, preparing to fix a flat bicycle tire in a natural outdoor setting, with a bicycle tire and a tree trunk in the background.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire labeled "MINION DHF" with specifications including size 29x2.30 and 60 PSI, attached to a fork with gold and black components. The background features a blurred natural landscape with trees and a body of water.
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A muddy trail in a forest, with visible tire tracks and scattered leaves, indicating wet and possibly muddy conditions.
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Close-up image of a bicycle tire tread, showing detailed patterns and textures, with some dirt visible on the surface. The background is blurred, featuring earthy tones and foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A close-up view of a bicycle frame featuring the word "PROTOTYPE" prominently displayed. The image shows a sleek design with a control panel on the side of the frame. In the background, a red barstool and part of a person's leg can be seen, with a textured dark surface underneath.
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Close-up of a vibrant pink mountain bike frame with the text "POWERLINE SL" and "KARBON" prominently displayed on the side. The bike features a front suspension fork and rugged tires, set against a sandy background.
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Close-up image of a black bicycle brake lever mounted on a handlebar, featuring a textured grip and a gold-colored clamp. The background is out of focus, highlighting the bike equipment.
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Close-up view of the front wheel and brake system of a mountain bike, showcasing the tire, disc brake rotor, and fork. The bike features a Trek logo on the frame, with a blurred background of people and equipment.
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A close-up view of a Topeak pressure gauge resting on the ground, with a focus on the gauge's dial displaying pressure readings. The surrounding surface is a mix of dirt and grass, with small leaves visible nearby.
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A Volkswagen vehicle with a bike rack attached to the rear, displaying a Georgia license plate. In the background, a parked bicycle is leaning against a wooden post in a grassy area surrounded by trees.
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A pair of gray cycling shoes with a distinctive zigzag pattern, resting on the grass next to a mountain bike that has mud on its frame and tires. The bike features a visible crank and pedal.
A close-up image of a mountain bike showcasing its green frame with "ALLIED" branding, featuring brown Maxxis tires, a visible drivetrain with an X01 derailleur, and a combination of gear components. The bike is positioned on grass, highlighting its robust design and outdoor setting.
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A close-up view of a cyclist's hand wearing a black and gray glove, holding a Garmin device mounted on a bicycle handlebar. The screen displays training status information, highlighting metrics such as training load and status, over a blurred background of grass and outdoor scenery.
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Close-up of a mountain bike tire with the words "Wicked Will" visible on the side, partially covered in dirt. The background features green grass and leaves, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A cyclist wearing a yellow and gray jersey stands next to a large colorful buoy at the Southernmost Point in Key West, Florida. The buoy features a conch shell design and text indicating the distance to Cuba. The background includes the ocean and a partly cloudy sky. The cyclist's bike is equipped with several bags for gear and supplies.
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Two cyclists riding mountain bikes along a dirt trail in a wooded area during daylight. One cyclist, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and a helmet, is slightly ahead, while the other, dressed in a plaid shirt and a helmet, follows closely behind. The landscape features bare trees and a dirt track, indicating early spring conditions.
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A person cleaning the rear wheel and drivetrain of a mountain bike in a sunny outdoor setting, with mud visibly caked on the tire and components. The bike is propped up on a stand, and the background features a wooden fence and grassy area.
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A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a wooded trail, navigating over roots and greenery. The rider is wearing a black helmet, sunglasses, and a plaid shirt, with gloves and shorts, showcasing an active and adventurous moment in nature.
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Close-up view of a bicycle's chain and derailleur system, showing the gear mechanism and chain in motion, with a screwdriver positioned for maintenance or adjustment.
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A mountain biker in an orange shirt and gray shorts navigates over rocky terrain on a bicycle in a dense forest. The scene captures the motion of the rider as he skillfully maneuvers over large stones, surrounded by lush green trees.
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A view of a bicycle shop featuring a row of various bicycles displaying different colors and styles. The photo shows bicycles lined up in the foreground with several more hanging on the walls in the background. A portion of a sales counter is visible, with bike accessories and parts displayed prominently. Natural light is coming through a window, illuminating the space.
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A red gravel bike positioned on a leaf-covered dirt path, surrounded by trees in a wooded area. The bike features drop handlebars and thick tires suitable for off-road riding. Soft sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Photo: Mina von Feilitzsch Photography
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Two mountain bikers navigate a dirt trail through a lush green landscape, surrounded by fog and palm trees. The scene captures the essence of outdoor adventure in a misty, tropical environment. One biker, wearing a helmet and riding gear, is focused on the path ahead, while the other trails behind, slightly obscured by foliage.
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