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
 
Two mountain bikers navigating a rocky trail on a hillside surrounded by trees, with a scenic valley and distant mountains visible in the background. The sky is clear, showcasing a bright and sunny day.
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Close-up of a mountain bike tire with rugged tread, set against a blurred green forest background. The focus is on the tire's texture and design, emphasizing its suitability for off-road terrain.
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Two men riding bicycles on a dirt path through a wooded area. One man, wearing sunglasses and a plaid shirt, leans forward on his bike, while the second man, in a helmet and black attire, pedals closely behind him. The scene is set under a clear blue sky, surrounded by green trees and dry grass.
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A close-up image of a black bicycle dropper post, featuring the brand name "ONE" and the model "TWOFORTY" printed on it. The background shows a blurred natural landscape with green trees and grass.
A group of mountain bikers gathered on a rocky terrain surrounded by red rock formations and greenery under a blue sky with wispy clouds. In the foreground, a large agave plant is visible on the red rocky surface.
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A cyclist riding a gravel bike on a narrow trail surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a forested area. The rider is wearing a helmet and sunglasses, showcasing a focused expression as they navigate the path. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant and dynamic outdoor scene.
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A young woman holding a silver bicycle frame in a grassy outdoor setting at night. She is wearing a light blue tank top and green shorts, smiling at the camera. In the background, there is a wooden ramp and some greenery.
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A close-up view of a Suunto smartwatch on a person's wrist, displaying the time as 2:23 PM and various activity metrics. The screen shows icons for fire, water, and battery percentage, set against a blurred green background.
A person riding a mountain bike in a lush green forest. The rider is wearing a gray shirt, olive green shorts, and black leg guards. The bike features a blue frame and thick tires, with an orange bag secured to the handlebars. The ground is covered with grass and scattered plants.
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A man wearing a black helmet and sleeveless shirt is sitting on the ground in a grassy outdoor area, holding a green water bottle. He appears to be taking a break from biking, with tall grass and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
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A close-up of a pink bike frame resting against a tree. A metal water bottle holder is attached to the frame, alongside a combination lock secured to the bike. The ground is covered in grass and small plants, and the bike has a bit of dirt, indicating recent use.
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A person pushing a mountain bike along a narrow trail in a lush green forest surrounded by ferns and trees.
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Group of four individuals working on a trail restoration project in a forested area. They are using tools like shovels and picks to move dirt and rocks. One person is wearing a red helmet, while others are equipped with helmets and gloves. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the surrounding greenery and creating a vibrant outdoor scene.
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Close-up of a wrist displaying a smartwatch with a gray strap, featuring detailed tattoos on the arm. The background is softly blurred with hints of red and green foliage.
  20
Two mountain bikers ride along a dirt path surrounded by lush green trees and grass. The trail is flanked by rocky formations, and a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds is visible above. The scene captures the essence of outdoor recreation in a natural, scenic environment. Cheyenne Mountain State Park mountain bike trail.
A photo of two mountain bikers riding down a rugged trail surrounded by greenery. One rider, wearing a black helmet and yellow and black gear, is visible in the foreground, while the other, dressed in a blue shirt and helmet, is airborne, performing a jump in mid-air. Dust is kicked up from the trail, highlighting the dynamic action of the scene.
  20
A group of four mountain bikers riding on a dirt trail through a forested area. One biker is in the foreground, leaning to navigate a small jump or ramp, while the others follow closely behind. The setting is sunny, with trees lining the path, and the ground is covered in leaves and dirt.
A person in a blue shirt and helmet riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail, with red rock formations and greenery in the background. The sky is clear with wispy clouds, showcasing a scenic outdoor landscape.
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Three people mountain biking on a narrow trail surrounded by trees and autumn foliage. One cyclist, wearing a blue shirt and shorts, is in the foreground, focused on navigating the terrain. Two other cyclists are visible in the background, all riding their bikes on a rugged, natural path.
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Interior of a bicycle shop named "Brown County Bikes" in Nashville, Indiana. The space features rows of black bicycles for sale, a counter with bar stools, and a display area for bike accessories and clothing. The walls are painted in light colors, and there are metal industrial-style fixtures and a wooden sliding door in the background. A small child’s bike is positioned on the floor near the counter.
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A person's hands gripping the handlebars of a mountain bike, with a digital speedometer displaying 31.2 km/h. In the background, two other mountain bikers ride along a grassy trail on a hillside, surrounded by a scenic landscape of trees and mountains under a clear blue sky.
A mountain biker rides along a rugged trail with scenic views of mountains and valleys in the background. The cyclist, wearing a helmet and backpack, explores a lush, green landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
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A competitive mountain biking scene featuring riders navigating a dirt trail in a forested area. One racer in a white jersey with rainbow stripes is prominently leading the group, while another cyclist follows closely behind. The course is surrounded by trees and marked with race tape, creating a dynamic outdoor atmosphere.
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A mountain biker riding on a wooden ramp through a forested area, leaning into the turn with a focused expression. The scene features lush green grass and trees, creating a vibrant outdoor setting for biking.
  10
A mountain biker balancing on a wooden log bridge over a stream while carrying their bike, surrounded by lush green foliage in a forest setting.
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A group photo of individuals standing together in a wooded area, holding a banner for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA). The group consists of diverse individuals, including men and women dressed casually, with some wearing hats and sunglasses. There is a dog on a leash in the foreground. The scene is bright and sunny, surrounded by lush green trees.
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A person wearing casual clothing is working on a mountain bike parked next to two SUVs in a campground setting. The bike features a bright blue frame and orange fork. Various tools and items are spread out on the ground, and the background includes trees and camping tents.
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A person wearing a helmet and athletic clothing performs a trick on a mountain bike in a park, soaring with their body extended horizontally and legs straight back. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and trees with colorful autumn foliage are visible in the background.
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A winding dirt path through a forest in winter, lined with tall, leafless trees. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and a few patches of snow can be seen on the trail as it curves gently uphill. The sky is clear and blue, creating a serene atmosphere.
Three young mountain bikers wearing yellow helmets ride along a dirt trail with a mound in a wooded area. The scene captures their action against a backdrop of trees and a clear blue sky.
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A close-up view of a vibrant orange mountain bike positioned in a grassy field, showcasing its frame, rear suspension, and tire tread. The background is filled with green trees and a clear sky, emphasizing an outdoor setting ideal for cycling.
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A close-up view of a pair of athletic shoes worn by a person standing on a dirt path, surrounded by greenery. The shoes are light green with gray accents and feature a strap across the midfoot for added support. The person is also wearing black socks.
A black and white photograph of a mountain biker descending a rocky slope in a misty forest, with beams of light filtering through the trees. The image captures a dynamic moment of outdoor adventure, emphasizing the contrast between the shadows of the trees and the bright rays of sunlight.
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A close-up view of a mountain bike tire as it navigates over rocky terrain in a forested area. The background features lush greenery and various sizes of rocks scattered along the trail. The image captures a sense of motion and adventure.
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A compact Sony camera with a Zeiss lens is placed inside a black and orange zippered bag, accompanied by two folded cloths, one red and white striped and the other blue. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky dirt trail, surrounded by greenery and hills under a blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet, gloves, and casual athletic clothing, smiling as they navigate the terrain.
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A golden retriever lying on a concrete floor, resting its head on the ground with a calm expression. The background features some storage shelves and wooden doors.
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A close-up image of a bike seat and a attached bike bag. The bag is secured with an orange strap and buckle, with the Ortlieb logo visible on the side. The background features blurred natural scenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
A close-up of a hand gripping a black bicycle handlebar, with a focus on the trigger shifter. The hand is partially obscured, showing the skin texture and the black ergonomic shifter component prominently. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A woman in a helmet carrying a mountain bike over her shoulder while hiking along a rocky trail. She is wearing a blue t-shirt, gloves, and a backpack, smiling as she navigates the outdoor terrain, surrounded by lush greenery.
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A group of mountain bikers riding in a line across a grassy field, set against a backdrop of trees and hills, captured in black and white.
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A blue mountain bike equipped with black storage bags is parked on a trail in a wooded area. The bike features a water bottle holder, a front fender, and a gear mechanism. The surroundings are natural, with trees and undergrowth visible in the background. The bike's components show signs of off-road use, with mud on the tires.
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A group of cyclists taking a break outdoors, with one cyclist on the ground inspecting his bike gear. He is wearing a blue cycling jersey and a helmet, while another cyclist stands nearby, partially obscured, wearing a plaid shirt. In the foreground, various cycling equipment and tools are visible on the bikes. The scene is set in a grassy area with trees in the background.
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