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 view of an open camping sleeping bag laid on the ground, featuring a blue exterior and a gray interior. Surrounding the bag is a natural setting with dry leaves and grass. The sleeping bag's zipper and mesh areas are visible, indicating it's designed for outdoor use.
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A young rider performs a mid-air trick on a mountain bike, with a scenic backdrop of ocean and hills. Another cyclist is seen in the foreground, showcasing their bike's wheel, as the sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow over the scene.
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A close-up image of a cyclist wearing a black mountain biking helmet and sunglasses. The background features soft, blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor environment. The cyclist is focused and appears to be preparing for a ride.
A coach giving feedback to a cyclist in a training environment. The cyclist, seen from the back, is wearing a team jersey featuring the names "Soudal" and "Quick-Step." The coach is gesturing with his hands and appears engaged in conversation, offering a thumbs-up in encouragement.
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 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 person riding a bicycle on a dirt road, with a surprised expression, under a dramatic sky filled with dark clouds. The surrounding landscape features open fields and distant mountains.
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A mechanic inspects and repairs a burgundy bicycle, focusing on the drivetrain and rear wheel. Tools and bike equipment are visible in the background, indicating a professional bike maintenance or repair setting.
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Close-up image of a bicycle's brake system, featuring a black brake caliper labeled "dominion T4" attached to a turquoise frame. The brake lines and part of the rotor are visible in the background, showcasing the mechanical components of the bike.
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Close-up of a mountain bike tire with the brand name "Forekaster" prominently displayed. The tire shows noticeable tread patterns and is mounted on a bike frame, with a blurred forest background featuring autumn foliage. The tire specifications, including size and pressure, are also visible.
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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 rocky trail winding through a forest, surrounded by bare trees and scattered stones. The landscape is devoid of foliage, revealing a rugged terrain under a clear blue sky.
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A metal sign displaying a trail map and open trail names, including "Fireline," "Cease & Desist," "Drop the Hammer," "Thunderdome," and "Family Flow," in a scenic outdoor area with trees and a path leading to a bridge.
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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Black waterproof boots featuring a high top design, BOA tightening system, and a rugged sole, placed on a snowy surface with dry grass in the background.
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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 close-up image of a bicycle seat with a unique design featuring the word "LOVE" repeatedly in various orientations. The seat is held by a hand, with a wooden surface and blurred background of leaves, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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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