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 navigating a rocky trail in a wooded area, airborne as they leap over a large rock. Surrounding trees have bare branches with some early signs of spring, while the ground is covered with fallen leaves.
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A cyclist riding a gravel bike on a forest trail covered with fallen leaves. The bike features a bright orange frame and distinct tires suitable for off-road riding. The cyclist is wearing black cycling attire and red cycling shoes, with one hand gripping the handlebars. A water bottle is mounted on the bike frame. The background includes lush green foliage, indicating a natural outdoor setting.
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A close-up of an Opinel folding saw resting on a textured stone surface, partially surrounded by green leaves. The saw features a serrated stainless steel blade and a light wooden handle, which is engraved with the brand name "Opinel" and "Savoie France." The image captures the tool in a natural outdoor setting.
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A mountain bike in a lush forest setting, leaning on a large fallen tree trunk. The bike features a green frame, gold-colored front forks, and thick tires suitable for rugged terrain, surrounded by greenery and moss.
A smiling cyclist wearing a black and green cycling jersey and helmet is riding a mountain bike on a grassy trail, with a blurred background of other cyclists and a scenic rural landscape featuring fields and barns.
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a wooded area, wearing a red and black plaid shirt and black pants. The bike features a prominently visible front wheel and suspension system, and the scene is illuminated by bright sunlight, highlighting the greenery and rocky terrain around.
Close-up of a bicycle's rear cassette and derailleur, featuring intricate gear teeth design against a blurred background, highlighting the bike's red frame.
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A mountain bike resting on a grassy hillside, overlooking a lush green landscape with trees and a serene river. Rolling hills and cloudy skies are visible in the background, creating a peaceful outdoor scene.
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Close-up view of a bicycle tire with a visible logo, resting on green grass. The image highlights the texture of the tire and the surrounding natural environment.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over a rocky outcrop on a forest trail, surrounded by tall trees and autumn leaves, under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing an orange shirt, gray shorts, and a helmet.
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A digital scale displaying a weight of 16.13 while weighing a bicycle saddle, suspended from a hook in a garage setting. In the background, bike parts and storage containers are partially visible.
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Close-up view of the rear wheel and gear system of a blue mountain bike, set on a dirt path surrounded by greenery. The bike features a rugged tire with visible tread patterns, a chain, and a derailleur. A small backpack is attached to the bike frame, and the background shows blurred trees and foliage.
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Close-up of a bicycle rim labeled "Roval," laying on a bed of autumn leaves and dirt, surrounded by small patches of grass and greenery.
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A person wearing a helmet and an orange shirt is riding a mountain bike on a dirt path surrounded by tall trees in a forest. The ground is covered with pine needles, and there are some brown leaves on the trees, indicating a late autumn or early winter setting.
Mountain bike frame in a sleek black design, showcasing a modern suspension system. The frame is positioned against a dark background, emphasizing its angular lines and engineering details.
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A close-up of hands demonstrating a detailed discussion or analysis of a small mechanical component, likely in a workshop environment. One hand holds a cylindrical piece with visible markings, while the other gestures expressively, indicating explanation or instruction. Tools and materials are subtly visible in the background, creating a focused, hands-on atmosphere.
A diagram illustrating the geometry of a mountain bike frame, with labeled measurements including Effective Top Tube (ETT), Reach, Head Tube Angle (HTA), Stack, Seat Tube Angle (STA), Chainstay, Bottom Bracket Height, and Wheelbase. The frame is depicted in a simplified silhouette format.
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A person in a red and black checked shirt rides a silver mountain bike on a trail covered with autumn leaves. The bike has distinct tires and is positioned on a wooded path, with trees in the background. The rider wears dark pants and blue shoes, with one foot on the pedal. The scene captures the essence of outdoor biking and nature.
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Three mountain bikers are gathered in a wooded area, working on a bright orange bike. One man, wearing a black shirt and helmet, stands nearby observing, while another man crouches down, adjusting the bike. The third man is bending over next to the bike, engaged in the repairs. Surrounding them are trees and a dirt path, creating a natural setting for their activity.
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A group of mountain bikers is unloading their bicycles from a bike rack in a wooded area. The bikes, including colorful frames in yellow, red, and black, are double-parked on the rack, showcasing their rugged tires and frames. One person in an orange jacket inspects a bike, while another is partially visible in the background. The scene captures a casual outdoor atmosphere among nature.
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A mountain biker in a red helmet rides along a dirt track with a steep curve, surrounded by bare trees in a forest setting.
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Close-up view of the rear wheel and drivetrain of a mountain bike, showing the tire tread, derailleur, and cassette, set against a natural background of grass and trees.
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A teal specialized mountain bike with a lightweight frame, featuring knobby tires and disc brakes, set against a bright yellow background.
A mountain biker navigating a winding dirt trail in a forested area, wearing a red helmet, sunglasses, and a black and pink shirt. The background features bare trees and trail signs, with fallen leaves scattered along the ground.
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Close-up of a bicycle frame featuring a water bottle cage and storage compartment. The frame is dark gray with the word "FUEL" printed on it, and the storage compartment contains a black item with an orange strap labeled "BONTRAGER." The background includes green foliage and dirt, indicating an outdoor environment.
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Three mountain bikers ride along a rugged trail surrounded by trees and tall grasses, with hills visible in the background under a clear blue sky. They are wearing helmets and biking gear, showcasing an outdoor adventure atmosphere.
Close-up view of a bicycle's bottom bracket and crankset, showcasing a shiny red frame and a black crank arm, with natural grass and leaves in the background.
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