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
 
Alt text: "Exterior view of the Marin Museum of Bicycling, featuring a large bicycle sculpture at the entrance, a sign reading 'Marin Museum of Bicycling' and 'Mountain Bike Hall of Fame', and decorative bicycles mounted on the building."
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A mountain biker leaning into a turn on a dirt trail covered with autumn leaves, surrounded by lush green trees in a forest. Another cyclist can be seen in the background on a separate path.
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Black bicycle stem with a sleek design and white "Loaded" branding, featuring multiple bolts and a textured grip area.
An infographic displaying biking enthusiasts' favorite breweries across the United States. It includes a map highlighting popular breweries by state, a pie chart illustrating beer preferences categorized as import, craft, and macro, as well as a list of mountain bikers' favorite beers. The design features a bottle labeled "BEER" and visually presents data related to beer consumption among cyclists.
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A person wearing a black t-shirt is seen opening a black backpack, revealing a blue hydration reservoir inside. The individual is focused on organizing the contents of the bag against a plain white background.
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A mountain biker performs a jump over a rocky terrain, with dramatic mountain scenery in the background and a cross-shaped monument on the right. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the adventurous atmosphere of the scene.
A mountain biker performs a mid-air jump over a rocky canyon during an event, with a crowd of spectators watching from the edge of the cliff above. The sky is partly cloudy, and a large wooden structure with branding is visible in the background.
A white and red gravel bike leaning against a barbed wire fence, with a grassy field and rolling hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky. A water bottle is attached to the frame near the pedals, and the bike features black tires and handlebars.
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Three views of a GoPro camera mounted on a black tripod. The camera has a square shape with a wide lens and is designed for action and adventure photography. It features a compact design and is shown from different angles.
A bright blue mountain bike parked in tall grass, with rolling hills and trees in the background under a clear sky. The bike features a lightweight frame and rugged tires, suggesting it is designed for outdoor trails.
Close-up view of a Garmin bike GPS device mounted on the handlebars of a bicycle, displaying a map interface. The bike features a red frame and the background shows a blurred natural setting with greenery.
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A green fat bike with oversized tires, featuring a sturdy frame, wide handlebars, and a comfortable saddle. The bike is positioned on a white background, showcasing its distinctive design and rugged tires.
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A mountain biker in a colorful jersey and helmet navigates a muddy trail through a forest, with debris flying as they lean into a turn. Surrounding greenery and trees create a dynamic outdoor racing atmosphere.
A person standing on rocky terrain, holding a bright pink mountain bike. The background features a misty forest with evergreen trees, creating a scenic, foggy atmosphere. The individual is dressed in a teal jacket and shorts, ready for an outdoor biking adventure.
A graphic titled "ENDURO" featuring a pie chart that illustrates statistics about enduro racers. The chart shows that 10% of racers have participated in the past, 24% plan to race, and 66% have no plans to race. Additionally, a prominent statistic highlights that 90% of enduro racers plan to race enduro again. The design uses various colors and typography to convey the information clearly.
A group of six people gathered around a table on a covered outdoor patio, enjoying food and drinks after what appears to be a cycling adventure. They are dressed in casual athletic clothing, with a bright green bike helmet and cycling shoes visible on the table. The background shows a scenic view of hills and cloudy skies.
A helicopter hovering above a mountainous landscape, with bicycles attached below it. The scene features rolling hills and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky, showcasing the natural beauty of New Zealand.
Close-up image of a bicycle handlebar, featuring black handlebars, brake levers, and cables, set against a background of gravel.
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A mountain biker navigating through a lush green forest, leaping over fallen logs on a dirt trail. The close-up view captures the bike's rear wheel in motion, showcasing the dynamic action and natural surroundings filled with trees and underbrush.
A mountain bike parked on a trail surrounded by lush green foliage in a wooded area. The bike features large tires and a sturdy frame, suggesting it is designed for off-road riding.
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A group of mountain bikers riding along a dirt trail in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery on a sunny day.
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A close-up of a black plastic bike bell or handlebar accessory featuring a hollow, curved design with multiple ventilation holes. The item is sitting on a textured gray surface, showcasing its glossy finish and detailing.
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Image of two Garmin eTrex handheld GPS devices side by side. On the left is the eTrex 20x, featuring a display showing speed, distance, ETA, and a compass. On the right is the eTrex 30x, displaying a colored map with route information and points of interest. Both devices have rugged designs suitable for outdoor use.
A black protective helmet with ventilation holes and adjustable straps, viewed from the side against a white background.
A mountain biker in protective gear catching air over a wooden ramp on a trail surrounded by trees and greenery, with another cyclist visible in the background.
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A mountain biker rides along a dirt trail with a panoramic view of a town below and mountains in the background. The image is in black and white, capturing the texture of the landscape and the cyclist's focused posture. A distinctive hilltop with a structure on it is visible in the distance.
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Map titled "Most Popular MTB Trails by US State (2015)" showing various mountain biking trails across the United States. Each state is marked with its most popular trail, highlighted in teal, while less popular trails are noted in gray. The map includes states like Colorado, California, and New York among others, with specific trail names such as "Cuyuna Lakes" and "Allamuchy SP." Yellow dots indicate the location of the trails.
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