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
 
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.
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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.
A sign indicating that biking is prohibited, positioned next to a wooden bridge surrounded by lush greenery.
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."
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A black and orange Cannondale mountain bike with a lightweight frame, featuring disc brakes and wide tires, displayed against a plain background.
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Label for Fat Tire Amber Ale featuring a vintage-style illustration of a red bicycle against a blue background with green vines and a tree. The text "Fat Tire" is prominently displayed at the top, along with brewing details at the bottom.
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Illustration from U.S. Patent 6,273,391 B1, showing mechanical diagrams of a bicycle brake system. The image includes two figures: FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, depicting different views of brake components attached to a bicycle wheel.
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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.
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Stainless steel flask with a decorative engraved design, tilted at an angle, showing the cap and handle.
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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.
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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.
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A blue unicycle with a black seat and a large tire, standing upright against a white background.
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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.
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Table summarizing trail difficulty ratings with categories for rating, trail width, average trail grade, obstacles (roots/rocks), bridges, and other features. The ratings range from "Easiest" to "Extremely Difficult," detailing specific measurements and conditions for each level.
Graphic text logo for "Iron Mountain" featuring a bold, metallic font with the words "bike race" underneath, set against a black background.
A group of people working in a forested area, with one person in a red shirt using a shovel to dig into the soil on a slope, while two others are visible digging in the background. The scene is surrounded by tall trees and greenery, indicating a natural outdoor environment.
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