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
 
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Sideways bicycle?
May 15, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bike Trails
Singletrack for beginners
May 14, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS tips for mountain biking
May 11, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
Mountain bike world championships: Sept 3-9 in Ft. William, Scotland
May 10, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
The sticky business of bike retailing
May 10, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
Legend Park is legendary
May 9, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Europeans love to bike (though not necessarily off road)
May 8, 2007
  4
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Trek Concept Store: Not clear
May 7, 2007
  1
A group of mountain bikers riding through a rock-lined path underneath a highway, with concrete pillars supporting the structure above. The terrain features winding trails and earthy surroundings, providing a unique biking experience in an urban environment.
Mountain Bike Trails
New MTB trails in downtown Seattle
May 4, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
Forget Everest: Mountain bike race in Nepal
May 4, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
Sorry for the lack of news
May 2, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Knowing your limits versus building your MTB skills
Apr 30, 2007
Alt text: Movie poster for "2 Solo," featuring a mountain biker in action and a close-up of a cyclist's face, with the tagline "One man's quest for a 7th world title and the punishment he'll take to get it." Brands like Volkswagen, Trek, and Nike are also featured.
Culture
24 Solo mountain bike movie
Apr 27, 2007
  1
Mountain Bike Trails
Douthat trip not all that
Apr 21, 2007
  2
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
Julian 7500 Death March as tough as Leadville?
Apr 19, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
Floyd Landis competing at Teva Mountain Games
Apr 18, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mirror for a mountain bike?
Apr 18, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Equestrians gone wild
Apr 17, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Magellan eXplorist 200: Not for bikers
Apr 16, 2007
  2
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
Crankworx Colorado
Apr 16, 2007
A scenic view of a rocky landscape featuring a winding dirt path, with a cyclist riding along the trail. The background showcases a river meandering through the valley, surrounded by hills and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Community
Good chance to ride the Kokopelli trail
Apr 13, 2007
  2
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB trail access: Illegal trails
Apr 13, 2007
  3
Community
Klunkerz MTB documentary screening at Newport Beach Film Festival
Apr 12, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS software review: TopoFusion
Apr 12, 2007
  2
Culture
Indoor mountain biking
Apr 11, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bike Trails
Voice your opinions in Oregon
Apr 11, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
Pickin' your lines
Apr 10, 2007
Culture
Responsible New England riders & Marin whiners
Apr 9, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB trail access: Do bikes damage trails?
Apr 6, 2007
  1
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mac GPS Pro review: Solid but...
Apr 6, 2007
Graphic featuring the text "Singletracks bike the net" at the top, with "MTB Trail Access 2007" prominently displayed in the center. Below, there are four colored icons with the keywords: "Speak," "Build," "Respect," and "Ride." The background is a gradient from light blue to white.
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB Trail access: Share the trail
Apr 4, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Topo maps in Google Earth: Map your bike trails
Apr 3, 2007
  1
Culture
MTB trails: Good and bad news
Apr 2, 2007
A Garmin Edge 205 Cycle Pack, featuring a GPS device and a blue water bottle, displayed in packaging. The package includes a photo of a cyclist and informational text about the product's features.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Buy my Garmin Edge 205 GPS & get free membership
Mar 30, 2007
Image featuring the text "Upgrade to Premium" in stylized red font above a black barcode, with the website URL "S1NGL3TRACKS.COM" displayed below.
Community
Singletracks email newsletter launched
Mar 30, 2007
A muddy pathway through a wooded area, showing tire tracks and patches of grass surrounded by trees. The ground is wet and uneven, indicating recent rain or poor drainage.
Mountain Bike Trails
Wait for the mountain bike trails to dry before you ride
Mar 29, 2007
  1
Culture
The $242 track stand
Mar 28, 2007
  2
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Edge 305 review: Sweet but spendy
Mar 28, 2007
  1
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bike Trails
Singletrack MINDS mountain biking documentary
Mar 27, 2007
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Kids learn to build their own bike frames
Mar 26, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Forerunner 201 review: So-so for biking
Mar 25, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
National Geographic TOPO! - Expensive and sucky
Mar 23, 2007
  1
Somehow I missed this one back in February but apparently a software engineer in Dublin, Ireland invented a bicycle that can be ridden sideways. The BBC News did a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm">good write up</a> about the bike and the article even includes video of a rider demonstrating the bike. The chief advantage of a sideways bicycle seems to be the improved turning radius since the rider is able to turn both the front and back wheels. The prototype doesn't appear to be off-road ready but think about the possibilities... Tight maneuvering through narrow, twisty singletrack; fewer sticks getting caught in your deraileur; jealous looks from fellow riders. But then again there are disadvantages like the fact that you're constantly looking to the side to see where you're going and if you fall on the side of the trail you'll be doing a face plant in the dirt. According to the inventor only about 6 out of 10 people are even able to ride one of these things so the market is a bit limited already. <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="_42588043_sidebike_416x260.jpg" id="image284" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
MTB skills training
Mar 23, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB park coming to midtown Cleveland
Mar 22, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Who watches MTB races anyway?
Mar 22, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
4-wheel mountain bikes
Mar 21, 2007
Culture
Stripped: mountain bike movie
Mar 21, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB: in the Grand Canyon?
Mar 20, 2007
  1