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
 
An aluminum mechanical component with intricate details and a circular attachment sits on a bed of twigs and leaves, showcasing its shiny surface and precise engineering.
A person wearing a gray bicycle helmet with reflective sunglasses sits near a serene lake surrounded by greenery. The focus is on the back of their head, highlighting the helmet's design and the tranquil landscape behind them.
  4
An off-road mountain bike with a sleek gray frame, equipped with two thick, knobby tires and a rear suspension system. The bike features a raised seat, handlebars with grips, and a black fork, highlighting its design for durability and performance in rugged terrains.
A scenic landscape featuring rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, with distant mountains partially covered by clouds. The sun is shining through the clouds, casting rays of light across the scene, highlighting the rugged natural beauty of the area.
  5
A mountain biker rides along a dirt trail in a forest with tall, burned trees. Dust is kicked up behind the bike, and patches of green grass are visible on the ground, indicating signs of recovery in the landscape. The sky above is clear, suggesting a bright, sunny day.
A pair of orange bike grips resting on a wooden stump in a natural outdoor setting. The taller grip stands upright, while the shorter one lies horizontally, both showcasing their textured surfaces. Green grass and a blurred background suggest a lush, forested environment.
  5
A person wearing a black long-sleeve shirt is outdoors, holding a bike. They are using a light blue Patagonia waist pack equipped with two water bottles, one black and one red, positioned on either side. The background features greenery, suggesting a natural setting for biking or hiking.
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a mountainous landscape, leaning into a turn with a blue sky and fluffy clouds in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and athletic clothing, showcasing an active outdoor lifestyle.
A person is standing outdoors, wearing a gray plaid button-up shirt over a red henley shirt. They are holding sunglasses in one hand, adjusting the button on their shirt. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting a natural setting.
Close-up of a white bicycle frame, showing two black screws attached to the tube and a red water bottle cap nearby. The background features blurred greenery and natural ground.
  4
A person riding a mountain bike down a rocky trail surrounded by greenery. They are wearing a helmet and sunglasses, and the bike features a front suspension and additional gear on the frame. The scene captures a sense of movement and adventure in an outdoor environment.
  3
A mountain biker navigating a rugged trail through a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and lush green ferns. The rider is airborne, showcasing skill and control as they maneuver over a rough patch of terrain.
  2
A close-up view of a black gear with multiple teeth, surrounded by smaller components including a ring and a washer, all resting on a textured concrete surface. The gear features a central bearing assembly, and the composition highlights the mechanical parts against a neutral background.
Close-up of a hand gripping a black device mounted on a bicycle handlebar, featuring a button and adjustable dial. The background is a natural setting with green foliage and dirt.
  2
A close-up image of a smartphone mounted on a bike handlebar, showcasing a unique attachment mechanism against a backdrop of trees and greenery. The phone features a green case and is positioned at an angle to highlight its camera and mounting system.
  1
A cyclist expertly navigates a winding mountain bike trail through a lush forest, showcasing a vibrant pink bike. The rider is focused, wearing a helmet and casual sports attire, as they maneuver around natural obstacles like fallen trees and rocky terrain, surrounded by greenery and dappled sunlight.
A person in a helmet and cycling gear performing a jump on a mountain bike above a bike stand. The rider is airborne, with the bike slightly tilted, showcasing a dynamic biking maneuver.
  1
A crowd of excited spectators gathered outdoors, many holding up their phones and cameras to capture the moment. Some individuals are holding a blue and white flag, while others are cheering and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The backdrop features trees and a blue sky, creating a vibrant setting for the event.
  1
A rocky trail leading through a lush, green forest, flanked by moss-covered stone walls and a variety of trees. The pathway is uneven and lined with large, jagged rocks, creating a natural, rugged landscape in a misty atmosphere.
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A man with long hair and glasses is working on a bicycle frame in a workshop. He is wearing a green sweatshirt with "YETI CYCLES" printed on it and a black cap. The workspace features various bike repair tools and equipment in the background.
  1
A sign indicating an "Alternate Line" on a forest trail, with an arrow pointing to the right. The background features green trees and foliage, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.
  3
A close-up view of a mountain bike showing its muddy rear tire and frame, highlighting the dirt accumulation after a ride. The bike is positioned near a wooden fence, with a water bottle and gear bag attached to its frame, and a glimpse of the handlebars partially visible in the foreground.
  5
A smiling cyclist wearing a helmet and a blue long-sleeve shirt is taking a selfie in a grassy area with a scenic view of rolling hills and a clear sky in the background.
  1
A close-up of a wrist wearing a smartwatch, displaying activity data including floors climbed and total elevation. The background is a blurred green foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting. The watch features a dark face with colorful metrics visible, and a striped fabric band.
Close-up view of a yellow mountain bike's drivetrain, featuring a SRAM XX1 crankset with a silver chainring, chain, and pedal. The bike frame shows detail in its design and construction, with a blurred green background suggesting an outdoor setting.
  3
A small white drone flying over a lush green path surrounded by trees, capturing aerial views of the landscape.
  3
A mountain bike positioned on a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and ferns in a forested area. The bike features a sleek design with a muted color scheme and prominent suspension components, showcasing its suitability for off-road riding.
  7
A close-up view of a silver mechanical part, possibly a bicycle derailleur or a similar component, set against a black metal grid surface. The part features intricate designs, showcasing gears and levers, with bolts and a sleek metallic finish.
  3
Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub with spokes radiating outward, set against a blurred natural background. The hub features a black and silver design, showcasing the details of the connection points where the spokes meet.
  2
Close-up of a mountain bike tire featuring a rugged tread pattern, showcasing its textured surface and design tailored for off-road traction. The background is out of focus, highlighting the tire against a blurred natural setting.
Crowd gathered at a biking event in the Tweed Valley, with mountains in the background. A large screen displays event information, and tents are set up nearby. The atmosphere is lively, with spectators enjoying the scenic outdoors.
  1
A mountain biker in an orange shirt performs a jump off a rocky outcrop, kicking up dust as they soar through the air. Tall trees and a clear blue sky provide a picturesque backdrop.
  1
Entrance fee station sign located in a wooded area, displaying text in English and Spanish. The sign lists various entrance fees and payment methods for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Nearby structures include fee deposit boxes and informational boards, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
  28
Close-up of a bicycle crankset and pedal on a grassy surface, highlighting the chain, gear, and a multi-tool attached to the crank. The bike features a turquoise frame and shows signs of wear and dirt, suggesting outdoor use.
  3
Close-up of a mountain bike tire with the label "PURGATORY GRIDTRAIL T7," set against a blurred background of a green, natural landscape.
  4
Close-up view of a bicycle frame, highlighting a section with a patented component labeled "dualink+" and various identification numbers. The background shows hints of grass, indicating an outdoor setting.
  3
A close-up view of a gray waterproof bag with the text "showers pass" visible, partially unzipped to show a black portable battery charger inside. The bag is secured with a strap, and colorful pink hydrangea flowers are blurred in the background, enhancing the natural setting.
  7
Close-up of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, showcasing the GRX branding on the derailleur and a detailed view of the gear teeth and chain.
A close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring a water bottle holder by REI Co-op, with a water bottle inserted. The background shows a lush, green forest, indicating an outdoor setting. The handlebar also displays gear shift and brake components.
A mountain biker in an orange helmet and goggles navigates rocky terrain near a small waterfall, carrying their bike over the stones. Lush greenery surrounds the area, providing a natural backdrop.
  16
A person is jumping a mountain bike over an obstacle in a grassy field during a biking event or training session. Several other riders and participants are visible in the background, with trees and a clear sky. Colorful markers are placed on the ground to guide the bikers in their activities.
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A woman with long dark hair smiles while standing in a kitchen. She is wearing a pink sleeveless sweater and holding an avocado in one hand while an assortment of fresh vegetables, including lettuce and onions, is in a large bowl in front of her. The kitchen features wooden cabinets and a countertop with various other ingredients displayed.
A person riding a mountain bike down a rocky, forested trail, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. The rider is wearing a helmet and sunglasses, focused on navigating the terrain.
  3
A close-up view of a black bicycle cog assembly placed on a wooden workbench, surrounded by bicycle chain links and tools. The cog features an intricate design with openings that give it a lightweight appearance, highlighting its mechanical details.
  17
A close-up view of a pair of black cycling shoes with a Boa closure system, showing some dirt and wear. The shoes feature Velcro straps and small branding details, with a concrete surface in the background.
Two SRAM GX derailleur components are displayed on a wooden surface. The black components feature intricate designs, including multiple gears and a distinctive branding logo. The sunlight highlights the shapes and textures of the parts.
  11
A modern mountain bike with a gray frame, featuring a high-performance suspension system, wide tires, and a sleek design, positioned on a grassy trail in a lush, wooded area.
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