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
 
Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub with spokes radiating outward, set against a blurred natural background. The hub features a black and silver design, showcasing the details of the connection points where the spokes meet.
  2
Crowd gathered at a biking event in the Tweed Valley, with mountains in the background. A large screen displays event information, and tents are set up nearby. The atmosphere is lively, with spectators enjoying the scenic outdoors.
  1
  1
Entrance fee station sign located in a wooded area, displaying text in English and Spanish. The sign lists various entrance fees and payment methods for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Nearby structures include fee deposit boxes and informational boards, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
  27
  3
  4
  3
  7
Close-up of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, showcasing the GRX branding on the derailleur and a detailed view of the gear teeth and chain.
A close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring a water bottle holder by REI Co-op, with a water bottle inserted. The background shows a lush, green forest, indicating an outdoor setting. The handlebar also displays gear shift and brake components.
  16
  1
  11
A person riding a mountain bike down a rocky, forested trail, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. The rider is wearing a helmet and sunglasses, focused on navigating the terrain.
  3
A close-up view of a black bicycle cog assembly placed on a wooden workbench, surrounded by bicycle chain links and tools. The cog features an intricate design with openings that give it a lightweight appearance, highlighting its mechanical details.
  17
A close-up view of a pair of black cycling shoes with a Boa closure system, showing some dirt and wear. The shoes feature Velcro straps and small branding details, with a concrete surface in the background.
  11
  81
A man wearing a black helmet and sleeveless shirt is sitting on the ground in a grassy outdoor area, holding a green water bottle. He appears to be taking a break from biking, with tall grass and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
  14
Mountain biking in a scenic forest trail with autumn foliage. Three cyclists navigate a winding path covered in fallen leaves, surrounded by trees that highlight the vibrant colors of the season. The image features a title at the top: "Mountain Bike Trail Development: Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process."
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear cassette and chain, showcasing detailed gear teeth and a portion of the bike's frame. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  1
  15
Alt text: Close-up of a vibrant pink bicycle frame featuring a playful white rabbit sticker on the head tube, with a blurred wooden fence and grass in the background.
A man standing in a lush green forest, wearing sunglasses and an orange t-shirt paired with blue shorts. He is looking off into the distance, surrounded by trees and foliage. The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant, natural backdrop.
  15
Close-up of a SRAM shift lever mounted on a mountain bike handlebar, featuring textured buttons and a patterned grip, with a blurred background of natural terrain.
  38
A person wearing a gray hoodie, shorts, and protective gear is lifting a mountain bike over a colorful biking trail feature. The scene is set in a wooded area with green trees in the background, and a trail map is visible behind them. The individual has braided hair and is wearing sunglasses and a helmet.
A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by shrubs and trees in a sunny outdoor setting. The terrain is dry with scattered branches and plants, showcasing a natural landscape. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and cycling attire.
  2
  1
A close-up view of a person's feet wearing sporty shoes on a dirt path, with the ground showing signs of dust and footprints. The person is dressed in shorts, and the scene suggests outdoor activity or hiking.
  13
  2
A mountain biker in a pink jersey navigates a dirt trail in a mountainous landscape, surrounded by greenery and rugged mountains under a clear blue sky.
  1
  2
A person in a black and red flannel shirt rides a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a lush green forest, with a sign titled "The President Bush Push" visible nearby. The sign describes a challenge associated with the trail, inviting riders to test their skills on the climb. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the scene.
  13
Two mountain bikers navigate a path in a lush, green park during golden hour. The sun filters through the trees, creating a warm glow. In the background, a stone bridge can be seen, adding to the natural scenery.
  5
A mountain biker navigates a winding trail carved into a rocky cliffside, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky with a visible moon. Sunlight filters through the foliage, casting a warm glow on the scene, while water gently drips from the rock face above.
  3
A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow trail surrounded by greenery and trees, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and protective gear, smiling as they navigate the path in a sunny forest setting.
  10
A can of Athletic Brewing Co. beer sits on a wooden stump in a green, outdoor setting, with a bicycle partially visible in the blurred background.
  18
A mountain biker stands confidently atop a rocky cliff, overlooking a vast and colorful landscape of red rock formations and green valleys under a partly cloudy sky. The scene captures the spirit of adventure and the beauty of nature.
  7
  2
Close-up image of a bicycle shock absorber, featuring a glossy black body with the text "DELUXE Ultimate" and "RockShox" branding. The shock is attached to a silver bike frame, showcasing the metallic finish and surrounding greenery in the background.
  3
A group of mountain bikers racing on a rugged track filled with gravel and dirt. One rider in the foreground, wearing a multi-colored jersey and focused expression, takes a sharp turn, while several other cyclists can be seen navigating the course behind. The background features trees and spectators, with flags marking the course. The atmosphere is dynamic and intense, showcasing competitive mountain biking.