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 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.
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A mountain biker ascending a rocky trail surrounded by trees, wearing a black cycling outfit, helmet, and sunglasses, with sunlight filtering through the foliage.
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A man stands at a workbench in a workshop filled with tools and materials. He is smiling and holding a bicycle frame made of metal tubing, examining it closely. The workshop has wooden walls and is well-lit, with various tools and containers visible in the background. The man is wearing a brown t-shirt with a graphic design and green pants.
Charging dock with two battery slots, surrounded by various cables, a USB connector, and two packs of coin batteries on a white surface.
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A yellow mountain bike with wide tires and a modern design, accompanied by a pair of gray cycling shoes, a set of black bike wheels, and a blue and black CamelBak hydration backpack. The background features a gradient sky transitioning from teal to orange, suggesting an outdoor setting.
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear drivetrain components, featuring a green bike frame, a cassette with multiple gears, and a derailleur showcasing intricate mechanics against a dark background.
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A black electric mountain bike positioned on a forest floor, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. The bike features robust tires and a modern design, showcasing its suitability for off-road adventures.
A person wearing a colorful patterned shirt and cap is working in a workshop. They are using a rotary cutter to cut a piece of material on a grid cutting mat. The workspace has various sewing machines, tools, and organized storage in the background, with ample natural light coming through a window.
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Signpost indicating hiking trail directions in a forested area. The sign displays three trails: "Wild Turkey Trail" (2.9 miles), "Ponderosa Loop," and "To Wapiti Trail." Surrounding the sign are green grasses and trees, contributing to a natural outdoor setting.
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Close-up of an orange bicycle handlebar grip, featuring a textured surface for improved handling. The image also shows a part of the brake lever and a simple clamp. The background is composed of soft-focus greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
Close-up of a mountain bike's drivetrain, showcasing the gear cassette, chain, and portion of the frame. The image highlights a black D1x Trail component attached to the bike, set against a blurred green background of foliage.
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An assortment of bike tire repair kits and tools displayed on a wooden surface. Items include a tubeless tackle kit, a puncture repair kit, and various puncture plugs from brands like Muc-Off and Stan's. The collection showcases tools for removing valve cores and repairing punctures, designed for maintaining tubeless tire setups.
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A mountain biker leans into a turn on a rocky trail in a forest, showcasing agility and control. The cyclist wears a helmet and protective gear, and the bike is green with rugged tires, navigating the uneven terrain surrounded by tall trees and lush foliage.
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A close-up image of metallic bike components resting on a bed of green moss, featuring detailed textures and distinct circular cutouts. The sunlight highlights the reflective surfaces of the parts, showcasing their intricate designs against the vibrant natural background.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over a canyon with rugged cliffs in the background under a clear blue sky.
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Close-up of a hand pressing a SRAM GX bike shifting lever, showing a green indicator light, with dirt visible on the lever, suggesting outdoor use.
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A purple mountain bike with a sleek design is positioned on a forest floor covered in pine needles, surrounded by trees. The bike features prominent suspension, wide tires, and a modern frame, highlighting its suitability for trails and rugged terrain.
A mountain biker in a blue jersey and helmet navigates a dirt trail surrounded by trees, leaning into a turn with one foot raised. The background features a scenic view of hills and a cloudy sky. Spectators can be seen near a banner on the right side.
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A close-up view of a modern mountain bike made from aluminum, featuring a sleek gray frame, Maxxis tires, and a detailed drivetrain. To the left, there is an illustration displaying the chemical element symbol "AI" for Aluminum, along with its atomic number (13) and atomic weight (26.9815385), all set against a gradient green background.
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Close-up view of a textured black tire tread, featuring distinct patterns and grooves, set against a dark background.
A smiling person wearing a black cap and sunglasses, standing outdoors with a blurred landscape in the background. The scene appears to be during dusk, with soft colors in the sky.
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