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 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.
  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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Crowd of people gathered on stairs and a platform, enthusiastically taking photos with their phones and cameras. Some individuals are holding a flag, and the setting features trees and a scenic view in the background. The atmosphere appears vibrant and engaged, likely in a festive or competitive event.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
A mountain bike suspended in mid-air against a vibrant sunset backdrop, showcasing a mountainous landscape with layered hills and a gradient sky transitioning from deep purple to orange. The bike features thick tires and a sleek frame design, emphasizing its suitability for off-road terrain.
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Craig Calfee in a workshop holds a blue bicycle frame prominently labeled "Lemond." The background features various boxes and tools, indicating a manufacturing or assembly area. The individual is wearing glasses and a dark shirt, with work materials visible on a table nearby.
Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail in a scenic landscape. One cyclist is performing a wheelie while crossing a stream, with splashes of water visible. The background features lush green hills under a blue sky with some clouds. The environment appears vibrant and outdoor-oriented, highlighting an adventurous moment in mountain biking.
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A black SUV parked on a gravel surface with a rooftop tent extended. Two mountain bikes are securely mounted on the back of the vehicle, surrounded by a natural landscape featuring trees with autumn foliage.
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A train carrying large ramps for BMX biking, with a rider performing a stunt atop one of the ramps in a grassy, open landscape. The scene features a blue train locomotive with branding and a vibrant blue sky in the background.
Close-up of a blue bicycle frame showing the suspension system and a sticker with the text "ARI." The background features a sandy surface, emphasizing the outdoor setting.
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Close-up view of a bicycle's rear chain and crank area, showcasing a partially obscured bike frame, visible chain links, and a tire in the background. The image highlights details of the bike's mechanics and design.
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Close-up of an orange bicycle handle grip attached to the handlebars, with a blurred green background.
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A close-up image of a copper-colored plumbing connector resting on a wooden surface, showcasing its detailed texture and design.
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An orange mountain bicycle is standing in shallow water with a rocky riverbed, surrounded by lush green trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A camping scene featuring a blue tent, a pair of black gloves, a dark green waist bag, a man's shorts, and sneakers, all set against a bright yellow background.