Greg began mountain biking in 2005, and since then, the pursuit of singletrack has taken him around the world. While Greg first started adding trail reviews to Singletracks in 2008, his career in mountain bike media officially began in 2010. He started writing for Singletracks in 2011 while simultaneously finishing his formal secondary education in writing and publication. Greg has the distinction of being the first employee that Singletracks ever hired, and he went on to serve for seven years, including five years in the Editor in Chief role. After a six-year hiatus, Greg is back at Singletracks, serving in the Managing Editor role.
While Greg has reviewed innumerable mountain bikes and products over the years, his true passion lies in writing about mountain bike trails and destinations. Greg has ridden over 8,000 trails and visited 21 countries (and counting). He recently spent four years traveling full-time, including two spent living in a camper van with his wife, Christine. In between epic trips, he now resides in Durango, Colorado.
Author snapshot
MTB Background and expertise
- Riding experience: Primarily trail and enduro, with experience including endurance XC, bikepacking, downhill, and gravel riding.
- Mountain biking since: 2005
- Number of trails ridden: 8,000+
- Number of countries visited: 21+
- Current stable: Pivot Switchblade V3, Pivot Vault, Scott Big Jon
Education and writing experience
- Bachelors of Arts, English: Writing and Publication, University of North Georgia
- Other publications: Strava, FATMAP, Dirt Rag Magazine, MTB Project, Hiking Project, GearJunkie, Outside 365
Scotland has a national strategy for developing mountain biking in their country.
Greg Heil explores whether mountain bike rides lose value if we don't capture them on GPS or social media.
AZT Expeditions launches first commercially-permitted self-guided mountain bike trips near Flagstaff, with proceeds supporting Arizona Trail Association maintenance efforts.
Fatback completely redesigns the Corvus fat bike from the ground up with improved geometry, increased tire clearance, and suspension-correction capability.
MTB Dreams offers truly all-inclusive mountain bike vacations in Spain, handling every detail from airport pickup to meals, lodging, and custom trail experiences.
The very best mountain biking that I experienced during my time in Europe wasn’t found in the Alps like I thought it would be—it was in the Pyrenees.
Greg Heil reflects on his evolving relationship with winter, deciding to embrace the season's opportunities rather than complain about circumstances beyond his control.
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Expert guide Jordi Bonet curates the five must-ride enduro trails in Spain's Pyrenees, from exposed ridgelines to technical descents with over 40,000 feet of dropping.
Greg Heil challenges readers to ask themselves "What kind of life do I want to live?" before setting goals for the new year.
The Hincapie Kessel Bibshorts feature a snug, secure fit with excellent breathability and a perforated chamois that wicks moisture effectively for XC riders.
Mountain biking is an incredible luxury that requires disposable income, trail access, and free time—luxuries many around the world don't have.
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From insulated boots and bar mitts to low-pressure gauges and fat-tire-compatible bike racks, here are 10 essential products for winter fat biking.
Mavic's budget-friendly Crossride Elite enduro shoes showed promise initially, but catastrophic sole failure after just 300 miles ended the honeymoon early.
After years of recurring injuries, Greg Heil shares why giving up on mountain biking—and physical therapy—will never be an option.
Singletracks readers choose their favorite fat bikes for 2016.
A UK mountain bike instructor found 80% liable after student paralyzed in crash may owe over $3.7 million in damages.
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Pedal just five minutes from Morzine's crowded bike parks and discover solitary backcountry trails with steep exposure, endless switchbacks, and classic Alps singletrack.
Sugoi has released a rain jacket that they claim is 100% waterproof, and yet fully breathable--specifically, 2x more breathable than comparable membranes. This claim flies in the face of conventional…
Greg Heil reflects on finding control in uncertain times by focusing on what we can control: getting out and riding our mountain bikes.
Greg Heil argues that bike shops must stock essential products to compete with online retailers, or risk losing customers to Amazon Prime's convenience.
Touring the best trails along the Portes du Soleil and in the Les Gets bike park in the Morzine Valley, France.
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**From brutal technical terrain and ultra-steep descents to convenient alpine huts and endless lift access, mountain biking in the Alps differs dramatically from the Rockies.**
Fox recalls 7,300 Float X2 rear shocks from 2016-2017 that can rupture during compression; stop riding immediately if affected.
Trek is recalling nearly 3,000 Farley fat bikes from 2014-2015 due to a fork separation issue that could cause riders to crash.
A review of the Shimano Deore XT M8000 mountain bike brakes.
IMBA's 2016 member survey reveals that 76% of respondents have seen increased local trail access, with federal land access ranking as the top priority.
A dangerous punji stake trap was discovered in a jump landing at UK's Delamere trail system, prompting removal by authorities and safety concerns.
Greg Heil argues that constant excuses and complaints defeat the purpose of mountain biking: escaping daily BS and building mental toughness through physical challenges.
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Police have identified a suspect who placed nail boards on an unsanctioned trail in Eagle, Colorado, though no charges have been filed yet.
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This excerpt follows Singletracks' style by being direct, news-focused, and providing the key facts (who, what, where) while maintaining reader interest about the outcome.
A UK mountain bike instructor faces a £4 million lawsuit after a student was paralyzed during a beginner skills lesson in 2012.
Greg Heil reflects on how mountain biking isn't just recreation but essential therapy, battling depression and finding emotional stability through physical motion on the trails.
Dangerous booby traps discovered on Dirt Surfer trail in Eagle, Colorado; riders warned to stay alert and report suspicious obstacles to authorities.
Fat bikes have revolutionized mountain biking by transforming winter from off-season to riding season, fundamentally changing how we think about year-round trail access.
Greg Heil argues that bike brands should stop spec'ing flimsy XC tires and instead equip all stock bikes with durable, wider trail tires.
Danny MacAskill returns to mountain biking in "A Wee Day Out," shredding Scottish countryside with innovative tricks across rooftops, train tracks, and bridge railings.
What are some important factors to consider for that first bikepacking adventure?
The Fission Bib Knicker from Hincapie is the perfect pair of riding shorts for cool spring and fall weather, or even as a base layer during mid-winter. While I had gotten along just…
The companion to the Fission Bib Knicker from Hincapie is the Fission Long Sleeve Jersey. Specs The jersey is made of extremely soft, smooth QuadroHot fabric that offers claimed insulation properties. The…
Getting to know the pros and cons of the Pinion internally geared mountain bike drivetrain.
A complete Oveja Negra bikepacking setup. Photo: Greg Heil While bikepacking participation continues to climb, the growth in the production of bikepacking products--specifically bags--is accelerating at an exponential pace. While these bags…
After a very favorable reception for the Torrent 27.5+ hardtail, Norco has tripled down on 27.5+ mountain bikes, releasing 3 all-new models for 2017! Torrent 7 FS+ The most notable of the new additions…
Spotted at a trailhead for the Mount Massive Wilderness. Photo: Greg Heil The US Forest Service has proposed a "cultural shift" with the intent of promoting recreation…
I was cruising around the Interbike showroom floor, late for yet another appointment, but the Wilier Triestina Jaroon+ stopped me in my tracks. This mountain bike, while of questionable real…
Having earned a coveted spot on our list of the 5 Most Innovative Mountain Bikes of 2016, I knew that I had to get on the Pivot Switchblade to see if the bike…
Photo by Sergio Barboni. Taken in Italy. Editor’s Note: “Over a Beer” is a regular column written by Greg Heil. While Greg is the Editor in Chief…
The DrTray hitch rack, an all-new offering from Yakima, is designed to eliminate bike-on-bike banging and damage during transport by allowing both of the trays on the hitch rack to…
Every time we turn around another high-dollar, boutique full suspension mountain bike is being announced by a major bike brand. So when a reputable brand announces an all-new full suspension trail…
Rider: Greg Heil. Photo: Zach White. With every piece of gear that I carry with me on the mountain bike, my first question is: “how packable…
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