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
 
Image showing a silhouette of a cyclist performing a stunt after jumping off a ramp, with text overlay promoting the Hucknroll Hot Summer Sale, featuring discounts of up to 40% off on over 1,500 items. The background includes dark trees and a light sky, emphasizing the action and summer theme.
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Advertisement for GORE Ride-On Cable Systems featuring the text "MTB Cable Nightmares? Share yours for a chance to win free cables from GORE!" accompanied by an eerie image of a rural scene with a dilapidated house and barren trees.
Map of Heil Valley Ranch, showing trails, private lands, and topographical features. Includes a "You Are Here" marker for orientation. Provided courtesy of Boulder County.
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A pile of twisted, black rubber tubing resting on a sandy surface.
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Close-up portrait of a young man with short, light brown hair and a slight smile, wearing a silver chain necklace. He has a fair complexion and is surrounded by blurred, shirtless figures in the background.
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A woman walks between rows of bicycles, primarily in red and black, arranged neatly in a large indoor space. The bicycles are lined up in a way that showcases their wheels and handlebars, with additional bikes visible in the background.
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X-ray image of a human knee joint, showing the femur, tibia, and fibula along with surrounding soft tissue. The image highlights the skeletal structure and alignment of the bones in the knee area.
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A map of the Blodgett trail system in Colorado Springs, Colorado, featuring a route outline in red, topographical contours, elevation profile, and a legend indicating various trail types and access points. The map includes specifics such as trail length (3.7 miles), maximum elevation (771 feet), and details for accessing the trail from a nearby road.
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A man wearing a black "Livestrong" t-shirt is looking down, with a slight smile. Another man is speaking to him, wearing a patterned shirt. The setting appears to be indoors with light-colored walls.
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A cyclist riding along the Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Path, surrounded by lush greenery and buildings on either side. The path features a well-maintained surface with a yellow line marking the biking lane. A small map inset shows the location.
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A close-up view of a bicycle mounted on a roof rack. The bicycle is secured with a locking mechanism, and the roof rack is attached to a vehicle's roof. In the background, there are trees, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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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 lively gathering under a wooden pavilion, with a diverse group of people engaged in various activities. Some individuals are interacting at a table filled with papers and materials, while others are speaking or moving about the space. The atmosphere is collaborative and energetic, suggesting a community event or workshop.
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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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A person with long, curly hair and a headband is intensely pedaling on an exercise bike, showing a passionate expression as they look down at the bike's display. The background is a solid blue color.
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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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