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 wearing a black and white striped jersey and gloves is holding a camera and taking a photo. In the background, there are trees and rocky terrain, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A mountain bike leaning against a dirt path surrounded by trees, with fallen leaves on the ground. The words "FIVE 2 RIDE ILLINOIS" are overlaid in bold letters, alongside a location marker icon. The image is predominantly in black and white, highlighting the natural setting.
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A bright green mountain bike is displayed in a scenic outdoor setting, with hills in the background. The bike is upright and has a sale tag attached, indicating a 45% discount. The foreground features tall grass and wildflowers, suggesting a vibrant and natural environment.
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What size mountain bike do I need
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Image of a mountain bike tire featuring a patterned tread design. The tire has a light beige-colored rubber surface and a black sidewall, designed for traction on various terrains. The graphic includes a blue corner label that reads "PSC COMPOUND." The background has a subtle, modern geometric pattern.
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A cyclist dressed in a colorful cycling outfit navigates through deep snow on a mountain bike, with a race number visible on the front. The surrounding landscape is covered in a layer of snow, creating a winter scene.
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Close-up view of a Shimano XTR bicycle brake lever mounted on a bike handlebar, with a textured grip and a portion of the bike frame visible in the background. The image features a natural outdoor setting with pine needles on the ground.
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A close-up image of a hand using a specialized tool to cut or adjust a mountain bike tire, showcasing the tire's textured rubber surface and the tool's detailed mechanism. The background features a blurred workshop setting, emphasizing a focus on bike maintenance.
A vast landscape featuring rocky terrain and distant cliffs under a clear blue sky, with a small figure standing on a hill in the foreground. The scene depicts the natural beauty of a desert environment, with patches of greenery scattered throughout.
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A bicycle frame lying on the ground among fallen leaves and pine needles, featuring a sleek black design with red accents. The frame includes a shock absorber, showcasing its design for mountain biking.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky path near a stream, surrounded by lush greenery. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and protective gear, carefully balancing the bicycle as they cross over the stones.
A collection of various beer bottles and cans arranged on a table, with a window in the background showcasing an outdoor view. The assortment includes both dark bottles and colorful cans from different breweries, featuring labels such as "Moonlight Drive," "Ten Fidy," and "Black Mocha Stout." A potted plant is visible in the corner, adding a touch of green to the scene.
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A close-up image of two bike lights: one is a rear light with a red lens and a mounting bracket, while the other is a front light featuring a clear lens and a cylindrical design with a black body. Both lights are designed for safety and visibility while cycling.
A wooden cabin surrounded by trees, featuring green shutters and a small porch with stairs. A mountain bike is parked next to the cabin, which is situated in a natural, wooded setting with fallen leaves on the ground.
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A cyclist in a blue shirt and shorts rides on a dirt path towards a wooden sign that reads "Griffin Bike Park - Basic Training Skills Park." Beside the path, there is a digital timer showing 6:01, and a memorial sign featuring a photograph of a soldier. The area is surrounded by trees, indicating a natural outdoor setting.
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A bottle of mountain bike lubricant lying on a reflective surface with a small puddle of oil beside it. The text "10 Best MTB Lubes" is displayed prominently in the lower section of the image.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a Bryton Rider 330 cycling computer. The device displays speed and distance metrics, showcasing its digital screen and control buttons against the background of a blurred natural setting.
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A close-up image showing a white and black helmet with a light on top, positioned on the ground surrounded by pine needles and greenery. Next to the helmet is a charging device connected by a black cable. The scene is dimly lit, highlighting the helmet and the charging device.
A collection of GPS devices arranged in a circular formation on a bed of dried leaves. The devices include models from Garmin, eTrex, and Magellan. A circular signal icon is overlaid in the center of the image.
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A cyclist in a black helmet and sunglasses rides a mountain bike on a dirt trail. The rider is leaning into a turn, wearing a colorful tank top and beige shorts, with a background of green grass and trees under a blue sky.
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A smiling person with long hair and a cap holds a drone remote control on the beach at sunset. The drone hovers in front of them with its lights on, while two people sit in the background, enjoying the beach atmosphere. The ocean waves can be seen in the distance, illuminated by the warm golden sunlight.
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