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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Close-up view of a bicycle crankset featuring a SRAM XX1 chainring and crank arm, with a visible chain and tire in the background, set in a cycling event environment.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a textured black grip and a gear shifter labeled "SRAM X0," set against a blurred green background.
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Logo featuring "singletracks" at the top, three stars above, and a stylized mountain graphic. A ribbon at the bottom reads "Best MTB Gear 2012."
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A winding dirt path through a lush forest, surrounded by tall trees and vibrant green ferns. The scene captures a peaceful, natural landscape with a mix of aspen and conifer trees under soft sunlight.
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A scenic view from a rocky outcrop surrounded by trees, overlooking a lush green valley below. The landscape features rugged terrain with scattered rocks and patches of grass, creating a natural and tranquil setting.
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Four individuals are engaged in outdoor work, arranging large stones in a wooded area. They are using garden tools such as shovels and hoes. The scene shows a sunny day with autumn foliage in the background, indicating a community service or landscaping activity.
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A green Trek mountain bike with black tires and yellow accents, positioned against a weathered gray wooden wall. The bike features a lightweight frame, front suspension, and flat handlebars.
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A dirt trail winding through a grassy landscape, surrounded by low shrubs and scattered vegetation, with a signpost indicating trail information. In the background, a panoramic view of rolling hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky with a few white clouds.
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A close-up view of a Garmin Edge cycling computer mounted on a bike's handlebars, surrounded by fallen leaves in a natural setting. The device is secured with a blue elastic band.
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A mountain bike positioned on a rocky trail with a scenic view of rolling hills and cloudy skies in the background. The bike features a black frame, knobby tires, and front suspension.
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A man riding a mountain bike on a trail with a young child seated in front, both wearing protective helmets. The scene is surrounded by trees and greenery, indicating a sunny day outdoors.
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A close-up view of a person's leg covered in mud or dirt, wearing a black flip-flop, standing on a gravel surface.
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A man in a denim outfit rides a mountain bike on a dirt path, leaning forward as he navigates the terrain. The background features lush green hills and a clear blue sky.
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A rugged fat bike with wide tires leans against a large rocky outcrop, set in a rocky terrain. The bike features a minimalist design and is covered in dust, indicating recent use in an outdoor setting.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a trail in a mountainous landscape, surrounded by green hills and rocky peaks under a partly cloudy sky. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and an orange and gray shirt, carrying a backpack.
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A narrow dirt path meanders through a dense, foggy forest, with bare trees rising on either side. The scene evokes a sense of mystery and tranquility, as the fog obscures the view ahead.
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A winding dirt trail through a dense forest of tall, straight trees, with a person in the distance wearing bright clothing. The ground is covered in pine needles and there are fallen branches along the path.
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A mountain bike with a muddy frame is leaning against a green military-style water tank in a wooded area. The ground is covered in dirt, indicating a rugged outdoor environment.
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A sign on a fence indicating "Propriedade Privada" (Private Property) with additional text about property rights, against a background of a rural setting featuring trees and a stone structure.
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A white cycling helmet with multiple ventilation holes, resting on green grass with some dried leaves nearby.
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A map of the United States showing varying levels of mountain biking trail solitude, with shades of green indicating different levels of solitude across various states. Darker shades represent areas with higher solitude, while lighter shades show lower solitude levels. The map includes Alaska and Hawaii, but the focus is primarily on the continental U.S. The title “MTB Trail Solitude” is displayed in the upper right.
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A group of people gathered around a bike display at an outdoor event. Two individuals are inspecting a mountain bike while others converse near a tent displaying the Giant brand. Various bicycles are lined up in front of the tent, surrounded by tall trees in a sunny setting.
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