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 cyclist riding a Mondraker Arid gravel bike in a blue outfit and white helmet navigates a dirt trail through a grassy area, with mountains and a blue sky filled with clouds in the background.
A male mountain biker in a white and blue racing kit with "USA" printed on it navigates a winding forest trail. He is seen leaning into a turn, focused and determined, while a cheering crowd is visible in the background, waving flags and supporting the racers. The scene captures the excitement of the race in a lush, green setting.
  6
A close-up view of a gray CamelBak M.U.L.E. pack worn around the waist, featuring a vibrant orange fleece, a yellow water bottle labeled "TOTALLY AWESOME COFFEE," and a dark-colored water bottle on either side. The background shows a blurred forest setting, enhancing the outdoor theme.
Close-up of a bicycle's rear brake system, featuring a black bimetal caliper with a yellow logo, mounted on a black frame with visible gears and cables. The background shows a blurred natural setting with greenery.
  11
Image showing various gifts ideal for gravel biking, including a pair of cycling shoes, a helmet, a silver gravel bike, a blue cycling vest, a bike-mounted GPS device, a flashlight, a red bike tail light, and patterned bike tape, all arranged on a purple background with the text "Best Gifts for Gravel Biking."
  1
A close-up view of a Transition Bandit blue mountain bike with a rider's legs visible. The bike is parked on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and ferns. The rider is wearing a green and black shirt and dark shorts, along with gloves and sturdy shoes, ready for an outdoor adventure.
A vibrant yellow Santa Cruz Tallboy mountain bike partially obscured by green foliage, set against a natural backdrop of grass and trees. The bike features a sturdy frame, thick tires, and well-defined handlebars, suggesting it is designed for off-road use.
  23
Kyle Neuser poses with his design, the steel Trek Pipe Dream full suspension mountain bike in a workshop setting.
  9
A close-up image of a hand holding a silver Stans Incredible DART tool with a black nozzle and a small tool attached at the end. The inflator features the brand name "STANS." The background is slightly blurred, focusing on the inflator and hand.
  1
Alt text: A collection of various tools arranged on a colorful background. The tools include a black spray gun, a wooden-handled saw, a multi-tool, and a set of red hex keys housed in a wooden box, alongside a compact device with a pink and black design.
Close-up of a polished aluminum PNW Loam bicycle stem component, featuring six dark screws and a distinctive design with the letters "PNW" engraved on the side. The stem rests on a textured stone surface, with a blurred natural background.
A camping tent and a bicycle helmet displayed side by side against a plain background. The tent is a lightweight design with a gray exterior and mesh panels, while the helmet is a modern-style, dark green with adjustable straps.
A mountain biker jumping over rocky terrain with trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
A bike mechanic in an apron stands in a workshop, holding a mountain bike on a repair stand. The background features a pegboard with various bike tools, parts on shelves, and a selection of bike tires, creating a bustling repair environment.
  2
A collection of outdoor gear displayed against a scenic background featuring a sunset. Items include a red Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator, a green and blue plaid long-sleeve shirt, a gray sleeping bag, a Fenix headlamp, and a small black and green storage bag.
  1
  28
A person in protective gear operates a chainsaw on a fallen tree, sending wood chips and sawdust flying. Another worker, wearing a helmet and safety vest, observes from behind. The scene is set in a wooded area with trees and brush in the background.
  1
Jason Connor attempts to break the world record for longest distance ridden on a pump track without pedaling or stopping.
  4
A scenic mountain landscape featuring two cyclists resting beside their bikes, with snow-capped peaks in the background and vibrant flowers in the foreground. The sky is clear with a few clouds, highlighting the natural beauty of the outdoor setting. The image includes the logo for "Planet Cyclery" in the top right corner and a hashtag "#PedalThePlanet" at the bottom.
A mountain biker in a helmet and sunglasses rides an electric bike up a rocky incline, showcasing bike skills on a rugged trail surrounded by grass and wildflowers under a cloudy sky.
Close-up view of a Teravail Washburn gravel bike tire showing its tread pattern, with a portion of the bike's brake system visible in the background. The tire is slightly muddy, indicating outdoor use on a rugged terrain. Soft green foliage and blurred elements suggest a natural setting.
  2
An image featuring a silver mountain bike at the center, surrounded by various biking gear: lightweight black pants, a pair of yellow and black athletic shoes, black gloves, a grey jacket, and a purple bicycle pedal, all set against a geometric background.
A mountain biker's view from the handlebars, showing a GPS device displaying speed and distance, with two fellow cyclists visible in the background on a grassy trail surrounded by trees and mountains.
  12
A mountain bike positioned in a field of dandelions, with a black frame and orange fork. The bike has two water bottle holders, and the background features a soft-focus of greenery and sunlight filtering through.
Joey Schusler riding a turquoise mountain bike with Enve Series M wheels on a dirt trail in a grassy open area, with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky. The rider is leaning into a turn, kicking up dust from the trail.
A cartoon AI robot standing with a mountain bike in front of a mountain range.
  1
A mountain biker wearing a helmet and sunglasses performs a jump on a rocky trail surrounded by lush green trees. The cyclist is focused and actively engaging with the terrain, showcasing the thrill of outdoor biking.
  4
A man wearing a bicycle helmet and sunglasses points directly at the camera while standing against a natural background with blurred foliage. He is dressed in a light blue athletic shirt and appears serious and focused.
  4
A mountain biker in protective gear navigates a steep, root-covered trail through a misty forest. Tall trees surround the path, creating a serene yet challenging environment for off-road cycling.
A flat lay image featuring a black Garmin solar watch displaying heart rate, a pair of blue sunglasses, a silver portable camping stove with flames, a blue hydration backpack, and a bicycle repair stand against a gradient green background.
A scenic view of rolling hills covered with trees, capturing the lush greenery in the foreground and the mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. The landscape features a pathway winding through the grassy area, with sunlight illuminating the scene, creating a serene natural setting.
Close-up of a cyclist's foot wearing an olive green Fox Union flat mountain biking shoe, positioned on the pedal of a light blue mountain bike. The background features a natural, wooded setting with earthy tones and foliage.
A mountain biker performing a jump on a trail surrounded by trees, wearing a yellow long-sleeve shirt and black shorts, with visible tattoos on his legs. The image captures the motion and energy of biking in a natural setting, with a blurred background emphasizing the speed of the rider.
  1
Lennard Zinn wearing a colorful jersey and helmet rides an orange mountain bike on a narrow, winding trail surrounded by tall grass and sparse shrubs, with trees and rocky terrain in the background.
  7
Close-up of a mountain bike seat post and clamp, showcasing a silver adjustable mechanism with a black textured ring, attached to a light blue bike frame with subtle patterns. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the bike's components.
  1
A selection of bike maintenance products on a blue background. The image features a sealant injector kit, a bottle of UFO bike drip lubricant for wet conditions, a roll of branded tape, a bottle of Muc-Off bike cleaner, and two types of brake pads.
A close-up image of a hand holding a tire with an dried tire sealant stretched between the tire and the hand. The tire appears worn, and the surface is rough and dark. The adhesive is a yellowish color, contrasting with the tire's black surface. The background shows a blurred workspace with bits of material scattered on a light-colored surface.
  12
An indoor retail space showcasing a variety of bicycles and cycling gear. The area features rows of bikes displayed on racks, a sales counter with a staff member assisting customers, and clothing displays on hangers. There are also shelves stocked with accessories in the background, and casual seating arrangements, including a couch and chairs, in one corner of the shop. The space is well-lit and has a modern, open feel.
Close-up of a bright orange Race Face Chester bicycle pedal with a hexagonal shape, featuring 11 grip pins for enhanced traction. The pedal is attached to a bike crankset, set against a blurred background of natural ground and greenery.
A mountain biker rides along a hillside during sunset, with a warm, golden glow illuminating the scene and soft mountain silhouettes in the background. The biker is in motion, capturing a sense of speed and adventure.
Close-up view of a precision-engineered mechanical component featuring a red adjustment dial and intricate metal parts, highlighting the internal mechanics of a device. The cylindrical structure and gears suggest functionality related to machinery or automotive systems.
Close-up view of an electric bike handlebar display showing a battery level of 88% and a warning message to "Avoid distracted driving." The handlebar has a textured grip and is set against a blurred green background.
  3
A detailed site map of a bike park featuring various areas such as a skills course, jump lines, a bicycle playground, asphalt pump tracks, and a start area with an overlook. The layout illustrates the winding paths and designated zones for different biking activities, emphasizing the recreational and skill-building opportunities available.
  4
A crowd of people gathered outdoors in Snowshoe, West Virginia, with a backdrop of rolling hills and trees. Some individuals are talking in groups, while others are engaged in activities like biking. Notable features include yellow structures and a signpost, with a mix of autumn colors in the foliage.
  1
A person riding a green  Brompton G Line folding bike on a gravel path with a backdrop of lush mountains and trees, under a clear blue sky. The cyclist is wearing shorts and cycling shoes, and the scene captures the essence of outdoor adventure and cycling in nature.