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 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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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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A cyclist in casual attire rides a mountain bike on a rugged outdoor trail, with a blurred background suggesting speed and movement. The scene captures the dynamic action of biking through a scenic landscape.
Close-up of a mountain bike's drivetrain, focusing on the derailleur and chainring. The bike features a light blue frame with some dirt smudges, indicating off-road use. The derailleur is partially visible, showcasing mechanical components and the chain.
A cyclist navigating a rocky trail, lifting their mountain bike over boulders while surrounded by dry grass and rugged terrain under a clear sky.
A pair of gray cycling shorts with a sleek design, featuring an adjustable waistband and perforated detailing on the side for breathability, set against a light green background.
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A mountain biker in a red shirt and helmet is mid-air, performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by trees in a forested area. The rider is focused on maintaining balance as they ascend from a steep section of the trail.
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A sleek black and red mountain bike rests against a textured dark surface, showcasing its modern design and high-performance features with a focus on the frame and wheels.
An older man with a distinctive mustache and glasses is sitting at a table, wearing a white t-shirt with a Bonneville graphic. He has a tan cap on his head and is engaged in conversation, while a younger man in a navy blue shirt stands nearby. The background features wooden and metal elements typical of a workshop or garage setting.
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A silhouette of a mountain biker performing a jump over a wooden ramp, with power lines in the background and a clear blue sky above. Surrounding vegetation is partially visible in the foreground.
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire resting on dirt and leaves, featuring visible brand markings "Stans" and "Macro 2.4 29." The tire's tread pattern is highlighted, showcasing its design for off-road cycling.
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Alt text: "A black bicycle rear derailleur positioned against a textured, crumpled white background. The component features intricate mechanical details and a sleek design."
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Close-up image of a mountain bike tire on a grassy background, highlighting the tread pattern and dirt on the tire.
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A modern mountain bike with a green frame and black components, showcased against a white wall. The bike features thick tires, a dropper seat post, and a visible drivetrain system. The wheels are outfitted with DT Swiss rims and Michelin tires, indicating performance suitability for off-road trails.
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A mountain biker wearing gloves and knee guards stands beside a black electric mountain bike on a dirt trail, surrounded by greenery. The bike features prominent branding and is equipped with a sturdy frame and a multi-gear setup. The rider is dressed in shorts and tall socks, ready for an outdoor adventure.
A mountain biker in a black helmet and colorful socks jumps a rocky section of a green, lush forest trail, smiling as they ride their red bike.
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