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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A banner featuring the logo of Iron Horse Bicycle Company, alongside a cyclist performing a jump on a green and black bicycle against a dark background.
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A scenic view of a forest trail winding through tall green pine trees, with distant mountains visible under a partly cloudy sky. The path is sandy, leading deeper into the lush greenery.
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A bulletin board displaying various colorful wristbands for sale, each labeled with a price of $5. The board is organized by color, including red, pink, blue, green, and black wristbands, and features a sign that reads "HONOR SYSTEM." There is a blue payment box attached to the board. The setting appears to be outdoors, surrounded by greenery.
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A portable travel recorder positioned on a textured, weathered tree stump, surrounded by grass. The device has a glossy black surface with a red button and the label "Travel Recorder X."
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Map showing mountain bike trails in the Augusta area, including Clarks Hill Lake and Sumter National Forest. The map features numbered trail locations, major roads, and notable landmarks for cyclists.
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3D representation of a carbon nanotube, showcasing a hexagonal lattice structure on a cylindrical form, set against a dark background.
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A winding dirt path through lush green grass, bordered by an arching tree branch overhead. The scene conveys a tranquil and inviting natural setting.
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A black and yellow mountain bike parked on a rocky surface, surrounded by trees in a natural outdoor setting. The bike features thick tires suitable for rugged terrain and is positioned on a sunny day.
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Close-up of two white bicycle handlebar grips designed with raised keyboard-like keys. The grips are placed on a patterned brown surface, highlighting their unique design.
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A Polar CS600X bike computer and USB connector resting on green grass. The bike computer displays the date and time, with a sleek, rounded design. The USB connector is silver with a red cap, both featuring the Polar logo.
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Green electronic board illuminated from bottom
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A man in casual attire stands beside his mountain bike on a gravel path, surrounded by trees. He wears a blue t-shirt and shorts, with flip-flops on his feet. The bike has a race number attached to it, indicating participation in an event. In the background, several parked vehicles are visible.
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A downhill mountain biker wearing protective gear navigates a winding dirt trail, while spectators watch from the side. The scene captures the excitement of a mountain biking event in a forested area.
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A mountain bike resting on a wooden bridge made from a fallen log, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The peaceful forest setting provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities.
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A winding dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and trees in a forest setting. The path is slightly overgrown, with ferns and shrubs along the edges, creating a natural and serene atmosphere.
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A scenic outdoor setting featuring several mountain bikers crossing a rocky riverbed. On the left, cyclists navigate through shallow water, surrounded by stunning mountains and a clear blue sky. On the right, a biker is lifting their bike over their shoulder while walking through the water.
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A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain in a lush forested area, with misty trees in the background. The image promotes Whistler Mountain Bike Park, featuring the text "Opening Day May 16, 2009."
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A person hiking along a dirt trail through a lush green meadow, surrounded by tall pine trees and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
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A winding dirt path surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, creating a tranquil forest scene. The path is slightly wet, suggesting recent rain, and the vibrant greenery indicates a healthy, thriving woodland environment.
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Two male cyclists are competing in a race. The cyclist in the foreground, wearing a green and yellow jersey with the number 03, is leaning forward on his bike as he speeds ahead. The second cyclist, dressed in a red jersey, is closely behind. The background features spectators and other cyclists, emphasizing the competitive atmosphere of the event.
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A close-up of a person wearing a ski helmet and goggles, with a Contour HD camera mounted on the side of the helmet. The goggles have a reflective lens, and the person's expression suggests focus and determination. The background is dark, emphasizing the helmet and goggles.
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VANCOUVER, B.C.- APRIL 19, 2009- Wheelchair winner, Kelly Smith, at  the 25th annual Vancouver Sun run in Vancouver on April 19, 2009.  (Ian Smith/Vancouver Sun) News story by Gary Kingston Trax. # 0034380A [PNG Merlin Archive]
A cyclist in a red outfit rides a mountain bike down a snowy slope, leaning forward to gain speed. The background is predominantly white, emphasizing the action and movement of the rider.
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A 3D topographic map showing the mountain range and terrain of Southern Arizona, featuring key locations such as Mt. Lemmon, Mt. Wrightson, Patagonia, Parker Lake, and the Canelo Hills. A red line traces a hiking route connecting these landmarks, with Mexico located to the south. The landscape is depicted with textured earth tones and dramatic elevation changes.
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A bustling outdoor event scene featuring a wide dirt pathway flanked by vendor tents displaying various brands. People are walking and mingling, with some cycling, under a clear blue sky. The tents are marked with logos, and there are various flags and banners in the background, creating a lively atmosphere.
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A cyclist performing a jump on a mountain bike amidst a grassy landscape and bare trees, with a clear blue sky in the background.
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