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
Greg Heil explores how mountain bikers can become their best selves in 2017 through small, intentional actions rather than comparing themselves to cycling heroes.
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From controversial opinions on racing and carrying weapons to the best budget bikes and flow trails, these were your most-clicked articles of 2016.
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Mountain biking is about more than just the latest gear—these 13 articles explored the human stories, controversies, and deeper meaning behind our sport.
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Mountain biking a Scottish Corbett means reindeer encounters, snowstorms, emergency bothy bags, and discovering just how tough the Scots really are.
Fording frigid Scottish rivers, navigating ancient witch paths, and bombing technical descents through Cairngorms National Park made for one unforgettable adventure ride.
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.
The Sugoi RSE NeoShell jacket claims to be 100% waterproof yet fully breathable—an audacious promise we put to the test.
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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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 Hincapie Fission Bib Knicker simplifies cold-weather riding with fleece-lined warmth, 3/4 length legs, and versatility as a standalone layer or winter base.
The Hincapie Fission Long Sleeve Jersey offers incredibly soft fabric and quality construction, but lacks the insulation and wind-blocking properties expected at its $100 price point.
Getting to know the pros and cons of the Pinion internally geared mountain bike drivetrain.
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**Bikepacking bags are exploding in popularity and utility, with 30 new options from brands like Revelate, Ortlieb, and Oveja Negra now perfect for day rides.**
Norco expands its plus-bike lineup with three new 27.5+ models: the Torrent FS+, Fluid FS+, and Fluid HT+ hardtail for 2017.
The US Forest Service proposes a cultural shift from defaulting to "no" toward "yes," potentially opening more trails and opportunities for mountain bikers.
The Wilier Triestina Jaroon+ pairs polished chromoly craftsmanship with 29+ wheels and drop bars in an unlikely but stunning $2,849 package.
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