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
 
A mountain biker standing beside a rocky trail in a forested area, wearing a pink shirt and shorts, with a bicycle next to them. The surrounding landscape features greenery and colorful autumn leaves.
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB trail report: Chilhowee in Tennessee
Sep 2, 2008
Mountain Bike Trails
Labor Day weekend was made for mountain biking
Aug 29, 2008
After discovering the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=477">Tanasi trails</a> on the banks of the Ocoee river in Tennessee a few weeks back we were stoked to ride the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=456">Chilhowee trails</a> right down the road on the opposite side of the Ocoee. Luckily we picked up a map of the trail system the last time we were in the area and the trails were all marked 'Easy' to 'Moderate' on the map. We plotted our route to maximize mileage while avoiding backtracks and after a quick lunch of PB&amp;J sandwiches we hit the trail around 1pm. The trailhead is located beside Lake Ocoee and we knew this would be an 'up and down' ride so we put our heads down and began the climb up the Clemmer trail. The doubletrack / wide singletrack trail climbed nearly 1,000 feet in 3 miles or so but it was all rideable (though a little rocky and rooty in spots). We continued the climb on the Slickrock loop and found a short stretch of real singletrack but the roots and rocks generally sucked our momentum through the short flat to downhill stretches. Rejoining the Clemmer trail we headed toward the (unnamed?) upper campground and rode a nice downhill stretch through a damaged forest area that afforded great views of the surrounding peaks. At the campground we had a little trouble staying on the trail as it wound across paved roads and campsites but eventually joined up with the Clear Creek trail. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image1101" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
A mountain biker recovers from serious injury
Aug 27, 2008
  2
Community
Jeep 48Straight Downhill MTB Results
Aug 26, 2008
Community
IMBA's Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day: Oct 4, 2008
Aug 26, 2008
Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky path during a race, with one rider in a blue jersey and the other in a red and yellow jersey. They are surrounded by green foliage, and there's visible dirt and stones on the track. The background features a cloudy sky.
Community
Olympic mountain biking wrap-up
Aug 25, 2008
  1
A close-up view of handmade wooden carts with metal wheels placed on grassy terrain. In the background, a group of people can be seen observing the carts, with a hillside in the distance. The image showcases traditional craftsmanship and community engagement in Rwanda.
Culture
Wooden Bike Racing in Rwanda
Aug 22, 2008
A sign indicating that biking is prohibited, positioned next to a wooden bridge surrounded by lush greenery.
Mountain Bike Trails
3 MTB trail take-down messages in 24 hours :(
Aug 22, 2008
Community
More MTB on TV
Aug 21, 2008
Culture
First Giant Bicycle Store Opens in October
Aug 20, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Dope MTB t-shirts from Evomo
Aug 19, 2008
Promotional banner encouraging users to add a review in August for a chance to win, featuring the text "Add a Review in August for a chance to WIN!" and a yellow star graphic alongside a device labeled "Garmin."
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Review MTB gear for a chance to win!
Aug 18, 2008
  1
A black and orange Cannondale mountain bike with a lightweight frame, featuring disc brakes and wide tires, displayed against a plain background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Cannondale unveils lightest Scapel ever for Olympic riders
Aug 15, 2008
  2
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike helmet covers from YAKKA
Aug 14, 2008
After discovering the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=477">Tanasi trails</a> on the banks of the Ocoee river in Tennessee a few weeks back we were stoked to ride the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=456">Chilhowee trails</a> right down the road on the opposite side of the Ocoee. Luckily we picked up a map of the trail system the last time we were in the area and the trails were all marked 'Easy' to 'Moderate' on the map. We plotted our route to maximize mileage while avoiding backtracks and after a quick lunch of PB&amp;J sandwiches we hit the trail around 1pm. The trailhead is located beside Lake Ocoee and we knew this would be an 'up and down' ride so we put our heads down and began the climb up the Clemmer trail. The doubletrack / wide singletrack trail climbed nearly 1,000 feet in 3 miles or so but it was all rideable (though a little rocky and rooty in spots). We continued the climb on the Slickrock loop and found a short stretch of real singletrack but the roots and rocks generally sucked our momentum through the short flat to downhill stretches. Rejoining the Clemmer trail we headed toward the (unnamed?) upper campground and rode a nice downhill stretch through a damaged forest area that afforded great views of the surrounding peaks. At the campground we had a little trouble staying on the trail as it wound across paved roads and campsites but eventually joined up with the Clear Creek trail. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image1101" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
The "Ride to the Ride" Movement
Aug 13, 2008
  1
After discovering the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=477">Tanasi trails</a> on the banks of the Ocoee river in Tennessee a few weeks back we were stoked to ride the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=456">Chilhowee trails</a> right down the road on the opposite side of the Ocoee. Luckily we picked up a map of the trail system the last time we were in the area and the trails were all marked 'Easy' to 'Moderate' on the map. We plotted our route to maximize mileage while avoiding backtracks and after a quick lunch of PB&amp;J sandwiches we hit the trail around 1pm. The trailhead is located beside Lake Ocoee and we knew this would be an 'up and down' ride so we put our heads down and began the climb up the Clemmer trail. The doubletrack / wide singletrack trail climbed nearly 1,000 feet in 3 miles or so but it was all rideable (though a little rocky and rooty in spots). We continued the climb on the Slickrock loop and found a short stretch of real singletrack but the roots and rocks generally sucked our momentum through the short flat to downhill stretches. Rejoining the Clemmer trail we headed toward the (unnamed?) upper campground and rode a nice downhill stretch through a damaged forest area that afforded great views of the surrounding peaks. At the campground we had a little trouble staying on the trail as it wound across paved roads and campsites but eventually joined up with the Clear Creek trail. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image1101" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
Olympic Cycling on TV
Aug 13, 2008
  1
Community
The Prez checks out Olympic MTB Course
Aug 12, 2008
  3
Community
Lance Armstrong places second at Leadville 100
Aug 11, 2008
  1
Culture
Mountain Bike Brews
Aug 8, 2008
  5
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike parts vending machine from Trek
Aug 7, 2008
Community
Learning to free ride
Aug 6, 2008
After discovering the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=477">Tanasi trails</a> on the banks of the Ocoee river in Tennessee a few weeks back we were stoked to ride the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=456">Chilhowee trails</a> right down the road on the opposite side of the Ocoee. Luckily we picked up a map of the trail system the last time we were in the area and the trails were all marked 'Easy' to 'Moderate' on the map. We plotted our route to maximize mileage while avoiding backtracks and after a quick lunch of PB&amp;J sandwiches we hit the trail around 1pm. The trailhead is located beside Lake Ocoee and we knew this would be an 'up and down' ride so we put our heads down and began the climb up the Clemmer trail. The doubletrack / wide singletrack trail climbed nearly 1,000 feet in 3 miles or so but it was all rideable (though a little rocky and rooty in spots). We continued the climb on the Slickrock loop and found a short stretch of real singletrack but the roots and rocks generally sucked our momentum through the short flat to downhill stretches. Rejoining the Clemmer trail we headed toward the (unnamed?) upper campground and rode a nice downhill stretch through a damaged forest area that afforded great views of the surrounding peaks. At the campground we had a little trouble staying on the trail as it wound across paved roads and campsites but eventually joined up with the Clear Creek trail. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image1101" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Sick riders, closed trails, stolen bikes, and more
Aug 5, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
New MTB pedals from Look
Aug 4, 2008
  1
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Submit a review in August, get a chance to win a MTB GPS
Aug 1, 2008
  1
Community
Olympic MTB preview
Aug 1, 2008
  1
Culture
Albums to shred to this summer
Jul 31, 2008
  2
Culture
Two bike pics
Jul 30, 2008
  1
Mountain Bike Trails
Tanasi MTB Trail Report
Jul 29, 2008
  1
Community
More singletracks t-shirts and stickers in stock
Jul 28, 2008
  1
Culture
Mountain bike fishing
Jul 28, 2008
  1
After discovering the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=477">Tanasi trails</a> on the banks of the Ocoee river in Tennessee a few weeks back we were stoked to ride the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=456">Chilhowee trails</a> right down the road on the opposite side of the Ocoee. Luckily we picked up a map of the trail system the last time we were in the area and the trails were all marked 'Easy' to 'Moderate' on the map. We plotted our route to maximize mileage while avoiding backtracks and after a quick lunch of PB&amp;J sandwiches we hit the trail around 1pm. The trailhead is located beside Lake Ocoee and we knew this would be an 'up and down' ride so we put our heads down and began the climb up the Clemmer trail. The doubletrack / wide singletrack trail climbed nearly 1,000 feet in 3 miles or so but it was all rideable (though a little rocky and rooty in spots). We continued the climb on the Slickrock loop and found a short stretch of real singletrack but the roots and rocks generally sucked our momentum through the short flat to downhill stretches. Rejoining the Clemmer trail we headed toward the (unnamed?) upper campground and rode a nice downhill stretch through a damaged forest area that afforded great views of the surrounding peaks. At the campground we had a little trouble staying on the trail as it wound across paved roads and campsites but eventually joined up with the Clear Creek trail. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image1101" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Chinese Mountain Bike Tours
Jul 25, 2008
A cyclist performing a mid-air jump on a bike above a large pit filled with foam cubes, inside a covered skatepark. In the background, a few people are observing the stunt.
MTB Tips
Learning how to land big mountain bike jumps
Jul 24, 2008
  1
Stainless steel flask with a decorative engraved design, tilted at an angle, showing the cap and handle.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike flask holster
Jul 23, 2008
After discovering the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=477">Tanasi trails</a> on the banks of the Ocoee river in Tennessee a few weeks back we were stoked to ride the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=456">Chilhowee trails</a> right down the road on the opposite side of the Ocoee. Luckily we picked up a map of the trail system the last time we were in the area and the trails were all marked 'Easy' to 'Moderate' on the map. We plotted our route to maximize mileage while avoiding backtracks and after a quick lunch of PB&amp;J sandwiches we hit the trail around 1pm. The trailhead is located beside Lake Ocoee and we knew this would be an 'up and down' ride so we put our heads down and began the climb up the Clemmer trail. The doubletrack / wide singletrack trail climbed nearly 1,000 feet in 3 miles or so but it was all rideable (though a little rocky and rooty in spots). We continued the climb on the Slickrock loop and found a short stretch of real singletrack but the roots and rocks generally sucked our momentum through the short flat to downhill stretches. Rejoining the Clemmer trail we headed toward the (unnamed?) upper campground and rode a nice downhill stretch through a damaged forest area that afforded great views of the surrounding peaks. At the campground we had a little trouble staying on the trail as it wound across paved roads and campsites but eventually joined up with the Clear Creek trail. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image1101" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Summer Recreation at National Forest Ski Areas
Jul 22, 2008
After discovering the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=477">Tanasi trails</a> on the banks of the Ocoee river in Tennessee a few weeks back we were stoked to ride the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=456">Chilhowee trails</a> right down the road on the opposite side of the Ocoee. Luckily we picked up a map of the trail system the last time we were in the area and the trails were all marked 'Easy' to 'Moderate' on the map. We plotted our route to maximize mileage while avoiding backtracks and after a quick lunch of PB&amp;J sandwiches we hit the trail around 1pm. The trailhead is located beside Lake Ocoee and we knew this would be an 'up and down' ride so we put our heads down and began the climb up the Clemmer trail. The doubletrack / wide singletrack trail climbed nearly 1,000 feet in 3 miles or so but it was all rideable (though a little rocky and rooty in spots). We continued the climb on the Slickrock loop and found a short stretch of real singletrack but the roots and rocks generally sucked our momentum through the short flat to downhill stretches. Rejoining the Clemmer trail we headed toward the (unnamed?) upper campground and rode a nice downhill stretch through a damaged forest area that afforded great views of the surrounding peaks. At the campground we had a little trouble staying on the trail as it wound across paved roads and campsites but eventually joined up with the Clear Creek trail. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image1101" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
Red Bull Roundup: Mountain Biking in BC
Jul 22, 2008
Community
Mountain biking roof to roof
Jul 21, 2008
  2
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Marzocchi Suspension Unit sold to... A US company?
Jul 18, 2008
Illustration featuring the Jeep logo with the text "48STRAIGHT" above a colorful collage of silhouettes engaging in various activities related to sports, music, and community. The background includes symbols of sustainability and media, with vibrant colors representing diverse aspects of culture and community engagement.
Community
Jeep 48STRAIGHT MTB Event Series
Jul 18, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Two mountain bike videos
Jul 17, 2008
  2
Image comparing an iPhone on the left and a Garmin Edge 705 cycling GPS device on the right, with "vs." text in the center, highlighting a technological comparison between a smartphone and a fitness device.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
3G iPhone vs. Garmin Edge 705 for biking
Jul 16, 2008
  8
Mountain Bikes and Gear
MTB emergency tool reviews
Jul 15, 2008
Mountain Bike Trails
Hot Washington mountain bike trails
Jul 15, 2008
Culture
Australian mountain biker Jongewaard reconsidered for Olympic team
Jul 14, 2008
A blue unicycle with a black seat and a large tire, standing upright against a white background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain biking + Unicycle = Muni
Jul 14, 2008
Community
Mountain bike festivals around the world
Jul 11, 2008
After discovering the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=477">Tanasi trails</a> on the banks of the Ocoee river in Tennessee a few weeks back we were stoked to ride the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=456">Chilhowee trails</a> right down the road on the opposite side of the Ocoee. Luckily we picked up a map of the trail system the last time we were in the area and the trails were all marked 'Easy' to 'Moderate' on the map. We plotted our route to maximize mileage while avoiding backtracks and after a quick lunch of PB&amp;J sandwiches we hit the trail around 1pm. The trailhead is located beside Lake Ocoee and we knew this would be an 'up and down' ride so we put our heads down and began the climb up the Clemmer trail. The doubletrack / wide singletrack trail climbed nearly 1,000 feet in 3 miles or so but it was all rideable (though a little rocky and rooty in spots). We continued the climb on the Slickrock loop and found a short stretch of real singletrack but the roots and rocks generally sucked our momentum through the short flat to downhill stretches. Rejoining the Clemmer trail we headed toward the (unnamed?) upper campground and rode a nice downhill stretch through a damaged forest area that afforded great views of the surrounding peaks. At the campground we had a little trouble staying on the trail as it wound across paved roads and campsites but eventually joined up with the Clear Creek trail. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image1101" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Mountain bike motivations
Jul 10, 2008
Culture
Mountain biking documentaries galore
Jul 9, 2008
  1
A close-up image of a blue bicycle wheel secured with a cable lock intertwined with a metal railing. The background shows a green lawn and a blue structure.
Culture
Which bike is better for commuting: road or mountain?
Jul 8, 2008
  7