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
 
Exterior view of Fat Tire Farm, a bicycle shop, featuring a blue mural and large windows displaying bicycles inside. The sign above the entrance reads "Fat Tire Farm" and indicates that the shop is open. Several parked cars are visible in front of the store, with greenery in the background.
  7
A forest scene with a variety of green trees and shrubs under a cloudy sky, showcasing a mix of tall coniferous trees and foliage in the foreground. The landscape extends into the distance, revealing more trees and gentle hills.
  4
  7
  10
Sign welcoming visitors to Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trails, featuring logos of the Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The background includes greenery and trees.
  7
  1
  6
Image depicting a cycling event with a focus on competitive spirit. In the foreground, a cyclist in a red jersey with a logo sits on a chair, while in the background, another cyclist rides on a trail. The image features bold graphics with the text "UNRIVALED" and mentions top finishes at an event in a bold, modern layout.
  4
  5
A sign indicating that a trail is closed for revegetation and erosion control, surrounded by a wooded area with fallen branches and some snow on the ground.
  13
Three male mountain bikers stand on a podium with their arms raised in celebration. They are wearing colorful cycling jerseys and shorts. The background features a large banner with various sponsors and logos, and the setting is under a wooden structure, likely a pavilion or shelter.
  3
A colorful cycling jersey featuring a green and white geometric design with black accents and branding on the sleeves.
  3
  2
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear brake system, featuring a black brake caliper marked with "XO," connected to a disc brake rotor and surrounding components. The background is blurred, highlighting the intricate details of the brake assembly.
  3
  6
Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub and disc brake, showing the intricate details of the spokes and metallic components, with dirt and leaves in the background, suggesting outdoor use.
  3
  22
A mountain biking race taking place in a wooded area, featuring two riders in action. One cyclist, wearing a red and white jersey and a red helmet, is leading the way, while another cyclist in a blue jersey trails closely behind. In the background, an orange tent and spectators can be seen amidst the trees.
  2
A person in an orange jacket is packing a backpack outside a cabin surrounded by tall pine trees and open grassland, with a mountainous landscape in the background.
  3
  8
  3
  3
Close-up view of a black bicycle rear derailleur mounted on a frame, with a chain running through it. The background features brown leaves, indicating an outdoor setting.
  4
A mountain biker, covered in mud, navigates a rocky, wooded trail during a rainy day. The cyclist wears a helmet and a gray jacket, with a race number visible on the bike. Surrounding trees are bare, and wet leaves cover the ground.
  6
  6
  1
  4
A mountain biker pushing their bicycle uphill on a rocky trail, surrounded by mountains and clear blue skies.
  1
Three men stand beside a small aircraft on a salt flat, each holding a bicycle. The men are casually dressed, with two wearing dark shirts and one in a light blue shirt. The aircraft has a red and white design, and the backdrop features a clear blue sky and distant mountains.
  2
A close-up view of a metal bicycle cassette, featuring multiple gear sprockets stacked in a circular arrangement. The background includes various bicycle-related stickers and packaging.
  7
  3
Image displaying a background gradient with the text "No Photo" prominently centered.
  4
A mountain bike with a race number 726 attached is parked on a gravel surface. The bike is covered in mud, indicating recent use in a rugged outdoor environment. In the background, a gray vehicle is partially visible amidst green trees.
  9
  3
  5
A mountain bike parked beside a narrow dirt trail winding through a forest with bare trees and autumn leaves scattered on the ground.
  3
  3
  7
  2
  4
  3
A mountain bike leaning against a weathered wooden wall, featuring a mix of colors including silver and green. The bike's tires are muddy, suggesting recent use in outdoor conditions. Fallen leaves and debris are scattered around the base of the bike.
  3
  7
  6
  6
  4
  11
  6