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
 
Close-up of various beer bottle caps scattered on a dark table surface, with a reflection of a bicycle in the background.
  15
A close-up view of a green mountain bike frame with visible dirt and mud, showcasing the rear suspension and mechanical components. The background features a natural setting of tall grass and mountains.
  4
Close-up view of a dirty mountain bike tire labeled 'MINION SS' with specifications showing '29x2.30' and '60 PSI,' set against a blurred green forest background.
  11
A snowy outdoor event scene featuring participants and tents, with two individuals pulling a cardboard ramp set up with two beer kegs on it. Spectators in the background are under canopies marked with "Visitor Information" and event signage, while snowflakes fall gently.
Graphic featuring the text "FIVE 2 RIDE PHILIPPINES" with a location pin icon, set against a stylized background inspired by the Philippine flag, incorporating elements such as stars and a sun emblem.
  2
An indoor skate park featuring a series of ramps and bowls, with graffiti-style art on the walls. The ceiling is painted blue with yellow clouds. Overhead lights illuminate the space, and a few skaters can be seen in the background.
  5
A man with short gray hair wearing a black turtleneck sweater stands confidently with his arms crossed. The background features soft, blurred architectural elements, suggesting an indoor or urban setting with natural light.
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike's crankset and chain, featuring a red chainring with visible dirt and wear. The background shows a natural setting with greenery and a blurred view of a river.
  3
A close-up view of a mountain bike tire alongside a green can of Terrapin Recreational Ale, resting on a fallen log. The background features lush greenery typical of a forested area.
  1
Alt text: A white mountain bike leans against a metal gate with a green sign that reads "Welcome to Sycamore Canyon Goodan Ranch Preserve." In the background, rolling hills and mountains can be seen under a clear blue sky. The landscape features dry grass and sparse vegetation.
  3
A rider on a fat bike navigating a snowy trail surrounded by trees, with a sign indicating trail conditions in the background. The foreground features a close-up of the fat bike's large tires, emphasizing the winter cycling environment.
  4
A muddy trail in a wooded area, featuring tire tracks and scattered leaves, with a semi-transparent symbol in the center that resembles sound waves.
  2
A mountain biker riding along a narrow dirt trail surrounded by lush green ferns and trees, with sunlight filtering through the foliage.
  3
Group of seven men posing in front of a white van, with several mountain bikes nearby. They are outdoors on a sunny day, smiling and wearing casual clothing. The background features trees and a gravel area.
A group of cyclists lined up at the starting line of a fat bike race, dressed in various winter cycling gear. The scene is set in a snowy environment, with orange cones marking the course. Trees and a building can be seen in the background, hinting at a chilly, overcast day.
Alt text: A group of three mountain bikers riding uphill on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery and wildflowers, with mountains in the background.
  1
A pair of black cycling shoes placed on a baking tray made of aluminum foil inside an open oven. The oven's interior is dimly lit, showcasing the shoes on the rack.
  6
A winter landscape showing a bike leaning against a tree, surrounded by snow and dried grass. The scene captures a serene outdoor environment with a lake in the background and bare trees with some remaining autumn leaves. A graphic overlay of concentric circles is present, suggesting a theme of motion or connectivity.
A black and red mountain bike leaning against a rocky surface, set against an outdoor landscape with a gravel and dirt background. The bike features thick tires suitable for rugged terrain and has a sleek design with visible gears and components.
  4
Two mountain bike tires positioned closely together, showcasing their detailed tread patterns. In the background, a blurred scene of a sporting event with branding and tents is visible.
A mountain biker catching air while jumping off a dirt ramp in a wooded trail. A second bike is visible in the background, partially obscured by trees. The image captures a dynamic moment in off-road cycling, surrounded by lush greenery.
A panoramic view of a mountainous landscape featuring rolling hills, patches of green grass, and scattered rocks under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. A stylized icon representing connectivity or signals is overlaid in the center of the image.
  2
A serene view of a forested landscape featuring lush green meadows, tall pine trees, and a gentle stream flowing through the scene, under a partly cloudy sky.
  3
A cyclist in a red and white jersey rides a mountain bike along a dirt trail, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain in a forest setting. A timer displays the elapsed time as the cyclist navigates the path, which is marked by a green line. The scene captures the sense of adventure and speed in outdoor biking.
A close-up image of a mountain bike's front suspension fork and wheel, featuring the bike's frame logo prominently. The background includes a lush green landscape with trees and a body of water visible.
  3
A cozy workspace featuring two desks with iMac computers, a black swivel chair, and a patterned yellow chair. The walls are painted green, accented by a wooden shelf displaying small items and a framed picture. Natural light comes in through a window above, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of the room.
  2
Close-up of a green bicycle hub surrounded by spokes and a disc brake, with a textured surface and gravel in the background. The image focuses on the intricate details of the wheel assembly.
  2
A young child wearing a helmet rides a purple bicycle in an empty parking lot, surrounded by trees and a few parked cars in the background. The child is observed mid-ride, showcasing a moment of joy and activity.
  1
A mountain bike is positioned in the foreground with handlebars visible, overlooking a scenic landscape of rolling hills and the ocean in the background. The sky is clear with a warm, golden hue, indicating either sunrise or sunset. A graphic symbol resembling signal waves overlays the image.
Image of a 2016 Yeti SB6 Carbon Anniversary Edition X01 complete mountain bike in yellow and turquoise. The bike features a full suspension frame and is displayed alongside pricing information of $9,000. Options to select size and add to cart are visible, along with a guarantee for returns.
  1
A black mountain bike with green accents, featuring a full suspension design, disc brakes, and wide tires. The bike showcases a sleek frame, highlighted by modern components, and is positioned against a plain background.
A mountain biker navigating a winding dirt trail through a sparse, wooded area with autumn foliage. A faded graphic of sound waves is superimposed in the center.
  4
Alt text: "Close-up of a beige bicycle frame, focusing on the headtube adorned with a blue bear logo and the text 'CHUMBA USA'. The background features a rocky terrain, suggesting an outdoor setting."
A mountain biker riding along a narrow, wooded trail surrounded by lush greenery. The image features a close-up view of the cyclist's back, wearing a helmet and shorts, with trees and underbrush visible in the background. A graphic overlay resembling a sound or signal icon is placed in the center.
A close-up image of a hand gripping a red trigger lever on a mountain bike handlebar, wearing a black sports watch on the wrist. The background features a blurred red carpet.
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail in a wooded area, with motion blur conveying speed and dynamism. The scene features lush greenery and a path curving ahead, suggesting an adventurous outdoor activity.
A dimly lit forest scene at night, with two bright headlights illuminating a narrow path, surrounded by trees and dense vegetation. An overlay of a signal icon is present in the center of the image.
Image of mountain bike tires displayed at an indoor event, showcasing the REKON+ model. The tires are arranged in a stack, highlighting their tread patterns and specifications including size and technical features. Background features other attendees and event displays.
A cyclist riding a mountain bike along a rugged trail in a scenic outdoor landscape during sunset, with hills and shrubs in the background. The sunlight creates a warm glow, adding to the serene atmosphere of the setting.
  1
Three mountain bikers in colorful gear are gathered in a lush, green forest, discussing their ride. The environment is foggy, enhancing the adventurous atmosphere. Two of the bikers are wearing helmets and goggles, while one is gesturing towards the trail. Mountain bikes are positioned nearby, indicating a pause in their ride.
Four mountain bikes are lined up along a road with lush green hills and rugged mountains in the background. The scene is bathed in bright sunlight under a clear blue sky, with patches of trees and open fields visible in the landscape. Each bike has bags attached, suggesting they are ready for an outdoor adventure.
Five mountain bikers pose with their bikes in front of the summit sign for Pikes Peak, which reads "Summit Pikes Peak 14,110 ft. Pike National Forest." The group is wearing various cycling gear, including helmets and brightly colored clothing. The background features a scenic view of the landscape beneath a cloudy sky.
Three mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail on a steep slope, surrounded by a vast landscape of mountains and greenery under a cloudy sky.
  6
A close-up view of a mountain bike's front fork and wheel, showcasing the rugged tire and suspension components. The background features a natural setting with mulch and tree branches. The fork is branded, and the wheel has visible dirt from recent use.
Close-up of a mountain bike tire with a tread pattern, labeled "MINION SS," featuring specifications of 29x2.30 and 60 PSI. The tire is slightly muddy, with a blurred forest background.
  1
A gray and black electric mountain bike is positioned on a rocky terrain with red and brown rocks under a clear blue sky. The bike features a visible battery pack and detailed components, including a front suspension fork and wide tires designed for off-road use.
  6
A mountain biker in mid-air jumps off a rocky ledge, surrounded by trees and a natural landscape, showcasing an adventurous outdoor scene.
A white Soocoo C10 action camera lying on the ground among grass and fallen leaves, with the lens facing up. The camera displays the 'Full HD 1080P' label and has a power button visible on the side.