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 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.
A brightly lit bike storage area filled with various mountain bikes arranged neatly. The bikes are predominantly red, green, and black, with some visible details like tires and handlebars. A large black banner reading "THE BEAST." hangs in the background, adding to the cycling atmosphere of the space. The area features wooden supports and a carpeted floor.
  10
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.
  3
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.
Close-up view of a bicycle hub assembly mounted on a wooden block, with a cassette and various bike tools visible in the background. The workspace features a light-colored marble surface, a computer mouse, and a smartphone.
  10
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.
  11
A mountain biker in a blue shirt and helmet navigates over a natural jump on a forest trail, surrounded by tall trees and greenery. The rider is airborne, showcasing skill and balance as they descend onto a dirt path covered in fallen leaves.
  1
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.
  1
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.
  9
A black and wooden balance board with the word "STOKE!" prominently featured on its curved surface. The board is positioned on a textured concrete floor, and various colorful stickers can be seen on a wooden backdrop, along with a blue object and some tools nearby.
  3
A cyclist in a red shirt performs a jump on a mountain bike along a winding dirt trail in a lush, green forest. Trees surround the path, creating a vibrant backdrop of foliage.
  13
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.
  8
A cyclist stands next to a mountain bike in a tented area, holding a bouquet of flowers. The bike features a sleek, white design with black accents and is positioned on a display stand. In front of the cyclist, there are two trophies, indicating placement in a competition. The background includes a large banner displaying the Trek Factory Racing logo and various sponsor logos. The setting appears to be at a biking event.
  1
A cyclist riding on a gravel path at dusk, surrounded by trees, with bike bags attached for storage. The soft light highlights the motion as the cyclist pedals forward.
  6
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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  3
Two cyclists are seen in a racing setup. One cyclist, wearing a patriotic jersey with stars and stripes, is seated on a mountain bike with a race number 9 attached. He is focused and engaged in conversation with a person in a dark shirt, who appears to be providing guidance or support. The background features dark tents and equipment typical of a cycling event.
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.
  9
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.
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.
  2
A group of people is seated in a bike shop during a presentation. A woman in a red vest stands in the foreground, smiling and holding a notebook while speaking to the audience. The background features bicycles and bike parts on the walls, along with shelves and storage units filled with tools and accessories. The audience consists of a diverse group of individuals, some sitting cross-legged on the floor, engaged and listening attentively.
A mountain bike is stored vertically on a wooden wall-mounted bike rack, showcasing its front wheel and handlebars. The bike is black with an orange accent on the front fork. A black strap hangs beside the bike, securing it to the wall. The backdrop features a warm-toned wooden panel, emphasizing a modern and organized storage solution for biking equipment.
  27
A mountain biker in a red shirt and helmet catches air while jumping over a dirt ramp in a wooded area, surrounded by tall pine trees and a trail covered with dry leaves.
  5
A black and teal mountain bike positioned against a bright yellow background, showcasing its sturdy frame and large knobby tires designed for off-road performance. The bike features a dual suspension system and a prominent brand logo on the frame.
  4
Image of two purple bicycle pedals lying on a textured surface, surrounded by dried leaves. The pedals feature a metal spring mechanism and a geometric design, indicating they are designed for clipless cycling.
  1
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.
  10
A cyclist navigating a rugged trail through a forested area, with a focus on the bike's tire and the uneven, dusty ground. Lush green trees and blue sky with scattered clouds are in the background.
  1
A mountain bike parked on the edge of a riverbank, surrounded by greenery and natural debris. The bike features thick tires and a water bottle attached to its frame. The calm water reflects the lush trees in the background, creating a serene outdoor scene.
  5
Close-up of a mountain bike's seat and frame in a lush green forest setting, featuring a black Ergon saddle and a bright blue frame with a visible water bottle holder.
  6
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.
  4
A smiling man in a workshop holds a bicycle wheel and a tool, wearing a black apron over a light blue shirt. The background features various bicycle repair tools and equipment, with natural light streaming in from a window.
A person wearing a black helmet and a green and black neck warmer smiles for a selfie in a snowy landscape with trees in the background. The scene captures a bright winter day.
  3
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.
  1
Close-up view of a sleek, metallic bicycle frame showing detailed welding, cable routing, and a charger port on the fork crown. The background is softly blurred with greenery, emphasizing the bike's features.
  13
Close-up of a bicycle handlebar with Shimano gear shift levers, set against a backdrop of tall grass and trees under a blue sky.
  4
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.
  6
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.
  3
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.
  7
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.
  2
A bustling outdoor event showcasing bicycles, with various branded tents and flags lining a gravel pathway. Attendees can be seen exploring the displays and interacting with vendors, while bicycles are parked along the sides. The scene is set against a backdrop of trees and a cloudy sky.
  7
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.
A young mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by tall purple flowers, wearing a helmet and protective gear. The cyclist is focused and leaning forward as they ride through a vibrant, lush landscape.
  1
A mountain biker in a helmet and protective gear jumping off a small ramp on a dirt trail surrounded by trees and foliage. The rider appears focused and is mid-air, capturing the action and excitement of mountain biking.
  14
Close-up of a mint-green bicycle frame featuring a logo on the head tube, with black cables running down from the handlebars. The background is filled with fallen autumn leaves.
  40
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.
  27
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.
  6