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 bicycle tire with the brand name "Kenda" visible, showcasing a blue rim and a valve stem for inflation. The tire is described as tubeless and features twin pair spokes, suitable for racing. The background is blurred, highlighting the wheel.
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A person in a helmet riding a small orange bike down a narrow, rugged dirt trail surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is leaning forward, navigating a steep section of the trail.
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A mountain bike tire lying on the ground next to a red hand pump. The pump features a gauge on top, and two tire levers in red and black are placed nearby. The surface beneath is concrete with some dirt and small debris.
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Close-up view of a bicycle's drivetrain, featuring a brown frame, crankset, and chain. The rear wheel is visible with a knobby tire, set against a textured concrete background.
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Smiling man wearing a gray baseball cap and reflective sunglasses, standing outdoors at a busy event. The background features tents and people, suggesting a festive atmosphere.
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Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail on a scenic overlook, with vast desert landscapes and distant mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
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A close-up of a male cyclist with tousled hair, wearing a black and red helmet and a red cycling jersey, showing a dirty and exhausted expression after a race. Mud is visible on his face, indicating he has been competing in challenging conditions. In the background, another cyclist is partially visible, also in a red helmet.
Colorful party hats and noise makers on a white background. The hats are metallic with blue, red, and green polka dots, featuring fringed edges. Two shiny noise makers in red and gold are also present, adding to the festive atmosphere.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail in a forest during the daytime, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves on the ground.
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A dirt path winding through a forest with green trees and foliage, featuring fallen leaves on the ground and a small wooden bridge off to the side.
A wooden suspension bridge stretches over a calm, forested creek, surrounded by bare trees. Signs on either side of the bridge indicate rules for crossing and provide warnings about safety. The scene is serene, depicting a peaceful natural setting in a wooded area.
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Logo of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), featuring the letters "IMBA" in bold white font on black circular backgrounds, accompanied by the tagline "JOIN" in white text on a red circular background, along with the website URL "IMBA.com."
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A person wearing sunglasses poses in front of an erupting volcano, with lava flowing down the side against a dramatic red and orange background.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a bike light mounted on the left side, with a person's hand partially visible gripping the handlebar. The light is black with silver accents and the text "Bella Stella" displayed on the body. The background is blurred natural scenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A cyclist wearing a bright red long-sleeve jacket and black shorts is standing beside his mountain bike, looking down at a device on the handlebars. The scene is set in a wooded area with rocky terrain and foliage in the background, indicating an outdoor adventure.
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Two mountain bikers stand on a rocky landscape, smiling while holding their bikes. They are wearing helmets and protective gear. In the background, there are rugged terrains and trees. The image features the "Subaru Trail Care Crew" logo and a slogan that reads "I Hate Bikes."
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A black and red pump with a padded grip, resting on a bed of dry, brown leaves. The pump features a pressure gauge and a flexible hose, showcasing its sturdy design and functionality in an outdoor setting.
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A large outdoor play area featuring natural elements such as logs and wooden paths built into a dirt surface. The setting includes several sections with strategically placed logs and mounds, surrounded by green trees and grass in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
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A cheerful mascot in a blue dress and a large bow, waving from a decorated float during a parade. The character has oversized ears and a big smile, embodying a playful and welcoming presence.
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A close-up view of a Garmin Edge 705 cycling computer mounted on a bike handlebar, displaying an elevation reading of 821 feet. The screen shows a graphical representation of the terrain. The bike's handlebar and gear shift are also visible in the image.
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A silver bicycle decorated with a large red bow stands next to a Christmas tree adorned with blue and gold ornaments. The scene is set in a cozy room with wooden floors and a patterned rug.
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Two Blackburn bicycle pumps resting on a bed of dry, fallen leaves. The pumps are black with silver detailing, showcasing the Blackburn logo prominently. One pump is partially extended, while the other is fully collapsed. The autumn leaves in the background provide a natural setting.
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A decorative wall piece featuring an abstract relief sculpture of a cyclist, framed within a rectangular shape, set against an oval textured background. The sculpture has metallic tones, highlighting the figure in motion.
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A close-up view of a muddy bicycle, focusing on the saddle and rear frame, with a blue sky and fluffy clouds in the background.
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A Garmin Edge 305 cycling computer displaying elapsed time, distance, and speed is shown alongside a map and elevation profile of a cycling route. Below, there is a table listing two activities, including the dates, locations, types of activities (mountain biking and running), distances, average speeds, and corresponding times.
A black mountain bike with a sleek frame, front suspension fork, and disc brakes. The bike features wide tires suitable for off-road trails and a modern design ideal for mountain biking enthusiasts.
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