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
 
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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<img width="545" height="131" alt="header_jeep-48.gif" id="image994" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
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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A red bicycle with a flat front tire lies abandoned on a sandy surface, leaning against a tree. In the background, an apartment building is visible, partially obscured by a green fence. The scene suggests neglect and disrepair.
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Logo of the Cactus Cup, featuring a stylized cactus design in the center, surrounded by colorful layers of red, green, and blue, with the words "CACTUS CUP" prominently displayed in red at the top and bottom.
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Alt text: "Promotional flyer for the 2008 Trail to Trail Race Series featuring event details for mountain biking and road racing, including dates, locations, and sponsorship information."
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Logo of BikePedia, featuring bold blue text with green accents and an orange sun motif.
<img width="545" height="131" alt="header_jeep-48.gif" id="image994" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
<img width="545" height="131" alt="header_jeep-48.gif" id="image994" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
<img width="545" height="131" alt="header_jeep-48.gif" id="image994" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
A mountain biker in mid-air jumps off a large rock onto a wooden ramp surrounded by trees. The scene captures the excitement of outdoor biking in a natural forest setting.
A mountain bike with a sleek bronze frame, featuring wide tires, front suspension, and a comfortable saddle. The bike is designed for off-road terrain, showcasing advanced components and a sturdy build.
Map of Cleveland showing major roads and landmarks, with a red arrow pointing to a specific area in the southern part of the map.
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A hiker standing on a rocky trail at the base of a large earthen dam, surrounded by a steep slope covered in stones. Lush green trees are visible on the left side, while the clear blue sky looms above.
Illustration of a Cannondale MetroPolite bicycle's handlebars and frame. The image features a modern bike design with a data/power port on the top tube, alongside a display showing bicycle technical information and a rearview camera interface. The design emphasizes functionality and technology integration in cycling.
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<img width="545" height="131" alt="header_jeep-48.gif" id="image994" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Text logo for "CHAIN LOVE," featuring bold black letters and a red, dripping "LOVE" against a textured dark background.
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A chaotic scene showing several cyclists involved in an accident on a road, with bikes scattered and some cyclists airborne. A car is in the foreground, creating a cloud of dust. The setting appears to be an outdoor race or event.
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A tranquil forest pathway winding through lush green trees, with patches of fallen leaves on the ground and a wooden bridge visible in the background.
A soldier in camouflage clothing riding a green bicycle through a shallow stream, splashing water as they navigate the rocky terrain in a wooded area.
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A close-up view of a mountain bicycle with a uniquely designed tire that features an inner tube coiled around itself. The bike frame is blue, and the wheel is shown on a black asphalt surface, highlighting the innovative tire design.
<img width="545" height="131" alt="header_jeep-48.gif" id="image994" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
<img width="545" height="131" alt="header_jeep-48.gif" id="image994" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
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A bicycle frame made of shiny metal tubing is displayed on a workbench in a workshop. The frame is in a triangular shape, showcasing the welding joints. Various tools and equipment are scattered around, including gloves and a welding machine, with a closed door and storage area visible in the background.
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A bike mount displaying three different mobile devices, including GPS navigation and smartphones, showcasing various maps and interfaces. The mount is attached to a handlebar, highlighting its functionality for navigation on bicycles.
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<img width="545" height="131" alt="header_jeep-48.gif" id="image994" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
<img width="545" height="131" alt="header_jeep-48.gif" id="image994" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
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