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
 
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A cyclist in a white helmet and tie-dye shirt leaps off a dirt ramp on a Transition Scout mountain bike, surrounded by blurred green foliage, conveying a sense of motion and adrenaline.
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A collection of red acrylic sheets with various cut-out shapes, featuring the logos "NINJA" and "APEX." The surfaces of the sheets have a slight dusting, indicating they may have been recently manufactured or handled. The sheets are stacked together, showing their intricate designs and cut features.
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A mountain bike with a light beige frame and black wheels, displayed against a mint green geometric patterned background.
A smiling man wearing a cycling helmet and sunglasses, standing outdoors with red rock formations in the background under a clear blue sky. He is dressed in a dark hoodie and has a beard, capturing a moment of enjoyment during a biking adventure.
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Cam Zink performing a jump over a dirt path on the Vacay, captured from a low angle with a fisheye lens. The background features rolling hills and clear blue skies, while the surrounding vegetation includes dry grass and sparse trees.
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Image featuring various mountain biking accessories available for under $50, including a black bike handlebar stem, a white helmet, a pair of black gloves with the GORE-TEX logo, a brown Patagonia pouch, and a black portable air pump labeled 'Fanttik', all set against a light purple background with the text "MOUNTAIN BIKE DEALS" prominently displayed.
A small, newly constructed restroom building with a peaked roof, made of wood and metal siding. Two entrance doors are visible, each labeled with gender symbols. A payment kiosk is mounted on the wall, and the building is surrounded by greenery and trees in the background. A concrete path leads up to the entrance, with gravel landscaping nearby. Brown's Mill mountain bike trail.
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A close-up view of a bicycle wheel rim on a textured surface, featuring a pink valve tool and several spokes attached to the rim. Sunlight casts shadows across the surface.
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A person in cycling gear riding a Tout Terrain Ceres gravel bike on a rocky trail surrounded by autumn foliage and trees.
A creative image featuring a pair of bicycle handlebars floating in a vast desert landscape under a clear blue sky. In the background, mountains are visible, with a small group of people on a hilltop. The scene evokes a sense of adventure and freedom in outdoor cycling.
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A vibrant orange mountain bike displayed against a stunning aurora borealis backdrop, with snow-covered terrain in the foreground. The image includes a "Best of 2024" graphic in the top right corner.
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An assortment of mountain biking gear featuring two bicycles—a light green bike and a black bike—alongside a collection of accessories including a light blue helmet, gloves, knee pads, bike saddle, and brake levers, all set against a bright yellow background.
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A pair of green Fox Union BOA clipless cycling shoes featuring a sleek design, two BOA® closure dials, and a textured sole for optimal grip. One shoe is shown from the side, while the other is displayed with its sole facing up. A red starburst label indicates a price of $165.
Two individuals stand next to a colorful bicycle with a pink frame and yellow spokes against a turquoise wall. One person wears an olive green tracksuit with gold chains, while the other is dressed in a black t-shirt with a graphic design and light blue jeans. They are both making hand gestures, and the scene conveys a relaxed and stylish vibe.
A mountain biker in an orange shirt and black shorts jumps over a rocky section of a trail in a forest, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.
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Image featuring a variety of mountain biking products for Cyber Monday deals, including a drone, a dropper post, a bike ramp, sunglasses, cycling shoes, a jacket, a water bottle, and a bike pump, all arranged on a bright blue background. The text "LIMITED TIME MTB DEALS" and "CYBER MONDAY" is prominently displayed.
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A bike workshop with two technicians working on bicycle assembly and maintenance. One technician is assembling a bike frame using tools and equipment, while the other is standing near a large cardboard box labeled "FOX" and working with parts. The environment features workbenches, tools hanging on the walls, and a cart with bicycle wheels.
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Close-up view of a bicycle tire with a knobby tread pattern, showcasing dirt and debris, set against a blurred background of greenery and wood.
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Close-up of a bicycle seat with an electric control device on top. The device has a button and a red indicator light, with a wire connecting it to the bike. The background shows a blurred view of the bicycle frame.
A mountain biker performing a wheelie on CrossWorx TRIP290 eMTB surrounded by trees and green foliage. The biker is wearing a helmet and sportswear, showcasing an energetic and dynamic moment in off-road cycling.
A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a wooded area, with a focus on the bike's rear wheel and the rider's leg. The background features trees with autumn foliage and fallen leaves on the ground.
A wooden signpost with the text "Danger Will Robinson" stands on a rocky, leaf-strewn path in a lush green forest. The surrounding area is dotted with trees, and the trail curves into the distance, indicating a natural hiking route with potential hazards.
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Black Friday Week advertisement featuring various products on a bright yellow background. Items include a GoPro camera, fitness watch, sunglasses, portable air pump, fanny pack, smartphone armband, bicycle pedal, tire tool, and a small toolkit. Prominently displayed text reads "BLACK FRIDAY WEEK" and "AMAZON."
Close-up view of a Bosch Performance Line CX motor mounted on a mountain bike, showing the casing and surrounding components, with dirt and mud visible, indicating outdoor use.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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Kyle Neuser poses with his design, the steel Trek Pipe Dream full suspension mountain bike in a workshop setting.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jason Connor attempts to break the world record for longest distance ridden on a pump track without pedaling or stopping.
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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.
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