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 image of a black fishing rod with the word "NAPALM" and various design elements, including a crosshair graphic, displayed on its surface. The background features a blurred array of colorful fishing gear.
Bright orange CamelBak backpack displayed in a store, hanging among other adventure gear. The backpack features multiple compartments, reflective strips, and a hydration system.
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A collection of bike repair tools, including an orange and silver "Fix It Sticks" multi-tool in the center, surrounded by various silver bits and accessories for general maintenance.
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Close-up view of a bicycle tire, showcasing the detailed tread pattern and the branding on the sidewall. The background features a blurred orange graphic, emphasizing the focus on the tire.
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A close-up view of a bicycle frame, showcasing a sleek, modern design with a dark gray finish and white accents. The frame features the brand name "Firezzer" prominently displayed, along with detailing on the manufacturing link and structural components.
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Image of a black bicycle chainring mounted on display, labeled as QX2 BCD 104x64, with specifications indicating it is designed for versatility with classic triple ring setups, compatible with ROTOR REX 3.3, featuring 3 OCP settings (24/34). An accompanying label provides additional information about compatibility and availability options.
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Clear tubing with connectors and a hydration reservoir attached, laid on a dark surface. The image showcases two ends of the tubing, one with a shut-off valve. A hydration pack label is partially visible in the background.
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A hand holding a compact action camera, showcasing a small screen and lens, with a blurred background of people and event signage.
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A close-up view of mountain bike handlebars on rocky terrain, with a scenic landscape and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. The bike frame features the word "REPACK" prominently displayed.
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Close-up view of an electric mountain bike, highlighting the rear suspension, motor, and battery system. The bike is positioned under a tent, with an outdoor landscape visible in the background.
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A mountain bike leaning against a rocky surface with desert landscapes in the background. The bike features a silver frame, front suspension, and knobby tires, set under a clear blue sky with a few clouds. Small shrubs are visible nearby, and the terrain appears rugged and natural.
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Close-up view of a bicycle wheel rim, showing a yellow section with a black outer edge and a visible seam. The background is slightly blurred, indicating a workshop or display setting.
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A fat-tire bicycle parked on rocky terrain, surrounded by sparse vegetation and mountains in the background. The bike is olive green with thick tires designed for rugged trails.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike's stem and handlebars, featuring a black frame with red accents. The image shows detailed components including the stem, headset, and cables, set against a blurred background of arid terrain and sparse vegetation.
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Logo for Singletracks featuring the text "Best MTB of 2013" in a prominent orange banner, surrounded by a black shield design with five stars and a gear illustration in the center.
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Close-up of a bicycle crankset with a black chainring, showing a partially visible chain and dirt on the components. The background features green grass and clover leaves.
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A digital illustration of a helmet, labeled "BULT," featuring an adjacent computer screen displaying a camera view. The helmet is shown from the side, highlighting functional buttons, an indicator light, and an arrow pointing to adjustable camera features. Key components and their functions are detailed in numbered sections.
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A laptop displaying a website sits on a desk with a mouse beside it. Behind the laptop, there are shelves with framed photographs and decorative items. On the wall is a mountain-shaped graphic, and a green t-shirt is displayed on a mannequin, with a small refrigerator and a woven basket in the background.
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A silver SUV parked on a gravel surface with two bicycles attached to a bike rack on the back. In the foreground, there is a partially collapsed red tent, surrounded by grass and trees in the background, indicating a camping or outdoor setting.
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A black mountain bike positioned on a gravel path surrounded by trees and greenery, with the bike angled to showcase its wheels and frame. The scene indicates a natural outdoor setting, ideal for biking.
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Close-up of a plaid fabric in shades of gray, red, and white, featuring a button and a zippered pocket. The texture and pattern of the fabric are clearly visible, highlighting the casual style.
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A man in a green cycling jersey stands in a wooded area, smiling. He has a mustache and is wearing a gray cap, with a rocky trail and trees in the background covered in fallen leaves.
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Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub featuring the "SLR" logo, surrounded by spokes and part of a disc brake system, with greenery in the background.
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A person wearing a red long-sleeve shirt with a chest harness mounted with an action camera, standing outdoors in a forested area. The action camera is attached to the harness, positioned at the person's chest.
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A website interface titled "Discover Your Trail" featuring an outdoor scene with a winding path through greenery and mountains. Below the image, it includes sections for outdoor recreation data services, activity and location search options, and a promotional section for a product, along with contact information.
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A modern two-story building called "Crash Pad," featuring a sign and a spiral staircase on the side. The entrance is well-lit, with large windows, and the surrounding area has green grass and trees. The image is taken during dusk, showcasing a vibrant blue sky.
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3D-printed object resembling a manifold or connector, situated on a build plate with clips holding it in place. The background features a 3D printer and various materials on the surface.
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A marketplace setup at a cycling event featuring colorful tents from various bike brands, including Niner Bikes. Several bicycles are displayed in front of the tents, with attendees socializing and browsing. The scene is set outdoors under a clear blue sky with a grassy field.
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A split-image showing two trails in a forested area. The left side features a wooden bridge elevated over a pathway, surrounded by trees and greenery. The right side depicts a dirt trail leading into a clearing, with a rock formation in the background, under clear blue skies.
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A silver air pressure gauge with a red hose attached to a nozzle. The gauge features a circular dial with indicators for pressure levels, ranging from 0 to 60 PSI. The nozzle is designed for connecting to tires or other inflatable items.
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Close-up image of a textured surface resembling natural fibers, featuring a light beige color with subtle variations and fine strands visible throughout.
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A white bicycle helmet resting on a rock, with a small camera mounted on top. The background features a natural setting with scattered leaves and brush.
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Black knee pad worn on a person's knee, secured with a strap, set against a blurred background of greenery. The knee pad features a logo and perforated texture for ventilation.
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A close-up of a black and green cycling shoe worn with a black sock, resting on a textured tree trunk in a natural outdoor setting, surrounded by green leaves and branches.
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A man wearing dark sunglasses and a gray t-shirt, outdoors with a blurred background of natural scenery.
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A Redline D660 29er mountain bike is displayed against a rocky backdrop, showcasing its sleek design and components. The bike features a black and green frame, SRAM X0 brakes, and a SRAM 9-Speed PowerGlide II cassette. The image also includes details about the bike's specifications and comments from users.
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Close-up of a mountain bike's front suspension fork and tire, showcasing the textured tread of the tire against a natural outdoor backdrop.
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Book cover of "One Last Great Thing" by John Burke, featuring an image of an older man in a blue shirt with glasses, holding a bicycle, set against a background of fallen leaves. The title is prominently displayed at the top, with a subtitle about a father's legacy.
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A person riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage, with a scenic view of hills and valleys in the background.
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A scenic view of a sunset over a hillside, with the sun casting golden hues across the landscape. In the foreground, lush greenery and sparse bushes frame the scene, while the horizon features the distant ocean and silhouettes of hills. The sky transitions from orange to deep blue, creating a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.
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Close-up of a mountain bike tire labeled "Slant Six" on the sidewall, mounted on a wheel with a visible rim. The background features a blurred natural setting with greenery. The tire specifications include size and casing details.
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A group of mountain bikers stands near a fence at night, with sheep grazing in the background. One biker, wearing a blue jersey and a helmet, is holding his bike and smiling, while another biker is adjusting their gear. The scene is illuminated by the light of bike headlights, highlighting the adventurous atmosphere of a nighttime ride.
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A brightly colored mountain bike with a green and blue frame on display at an event, featuring wide tires and a prominent suspension system. Behind it, there is a promotional backdrop with images and logos related to biking.
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A modern mountain bike with a sleek aluminum frame and large, rugged tires, positioned against a vibrant red background. The bike features front suspension, wide handlebars, and racing-style tires, emphasizing its performance and design for off-road trails.
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Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar, featuring a black grip, a sleek brake lever, and a gear shift mechanism. The focus highlights the textured grip and the various components, all set against a blurred background.
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A black and white fat bike with oversized tires, showcasing a unique frame design. The bike is displayed in a crowded exhibition space, with people in the background. The setting features an array of bikes and cycling accessories.
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Close-up view of a black Thomson bicycle handlebar with the brand name and model "All Mountain" clearly visible. The background features a blurred display setup, typical of a trade show or exhibition setting.
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A pair of black cycling shoes with green accents, featuring a streamlined design, three adjustable straps, and a sturdy sole, resting on a gravel surface.
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