Greg Heil

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
 
  4
A panoramic view of lush green mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground features a rocky ledge, with verdant hills and valleys stretching into the distance, revealing layers of rolling mountains and blue sky.
  3
Close-up image of a bike dropper post with adjustment markings. The metal part is black and shiny, featuring a numbered dial for height adjustment. In the background, there are blurred, natural rock formations.
  42
  10
A bright yellow Specialized bicycle parked on a rocky dirt trail surrounded by trees and dry grass. The bike features drop handlebars, wide tires, and a small bag attached to the seat.
  4
A mountain biker navigating a narrow, winding dirt trail through a forest with tall trees, showcasing a blend of greenery and rocky terrain. The rider is wearing a helmet and a backpack, skillfully maneuvering along the path in a scenic outdoor setting.
  1
A cyclist in a green jersey rides on a dirt road surrounded by mountains and open fields. The cyclist is wearing sunglasses and appears focused as they navigate the rugged terrain under a clear blue sky.
Close-up view of a mountain bike's frame, showing the suspension components, drivetrain, and a prominent brand logo. The bike is positioned on a dirt surface with another white bike partially visible in the background. The suspension shock and other details highlight the bike's design for off-road use.
  33
Two mountain bikers maneuvering along a curved wooden track with a backdrop of large, rocky mountains under a clear blue sky. One rider is leaning into the turn while the other is slightly behind, both showcasing dynamic action in a natural outdoor setting.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail along a coastal cliff, with the ocean and blue sky in the background. Green trees and vegetation surround the path, creating a scenic outdoor setting.
A close-up view of a Shimano bicycle crankset, showcasing the chainrings, crank arms, and derailleur. The components have a sleek, modern design with a metallic finish, emphasizing precision engineering for cycling performance.
  14
  6
A red mountain bike is parked on a grassy area with a backdrop of colorful graffiti on a concrete wall. The bike features thick tires, a suspension fork, and various components, showcasing its design for off-road cycling. Green foliage is visible around the bike, adding to the natural setting.
A vibrant green mountain bike with black tires and gold suspension components is displayed against a white background. The bike features a modern design, a dual suspension system, and branding for Maxxis tires. The GoFundMe logo is superimposed in the upper area of the image.
  13
  2
Two bicycle wheels with a sleek black design and vibrant purple spokes, positioned against a black background. The wheels feature visible branding and details, showcasing their modern construction and design elements.
Alt text: Image of a SRAM XX1 bike drivetrain showing a black and gold 12-speed cassette, derailleur, crankset, and chain, designed for high-performance cycling.
  11
A modern youth mountain bike with a gray frame, featuring a bright yellow and red graphic design. The bike has wide, knobby tires designed for off-road terrain, disc brakes, and a sturdy frame. It is angled to show the side view, highlighting the suspension fork and gearing system.
  1
A vibrant orange Rocky Mountain mountain bike is displayed against a white background. The bike features large, rugged Maxxis tires, a sleek frame design, and various components such as a dropper seat post and Shimano gearing. The overall design emphasizes performance and off-road capability.
A bright turquoise mountain bike with a modern design, featuring a lightweight frame, front suspension fork, and rugged tires. The bike is positioned at a slight angle, showcasing its drivetrain and quality components, including Maxxis tires. It is displayed against a white background, highlighting its sleek appearance and advanced engineering.
  9
  1
Two mountain bikers are riding on a dirt trail through a forest. One rider, dressed in a red and black jersey, is airborne above a jump, while the other rider, wearing a green jersey, is in a lower position on the path. The scene is surrounded by tall green trees, creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
A winding dirt path through a lush, green forest, surrounded by tall trees and scattered foliage. The trail curves gently, inviting exploration in a serene natural setting.
  7
A mountain biker navigating a trail in a scenic landscape, with mountains in the background and fields below. The text overlay reads "FIVE 2 RIDE NEW ZEALAND," accompanied by a map pin icon. The image has a monochrome effect, highlighting the natural beauty of the environment.
  5
Black lightweight pants featuring a side zippered pocket, displayed on a white background. The fabric appears smooth with a subtle sheen.
  2
  14
  12
A split image featuring two scenes: the top half shows a mountain biker navigating a dusty, tree-lined trail, kicking up dirt as they lean into a turn, while the bottom half depicts a serene landscape with a lone mountain biker riding along a grassy trail surrounded by mountains and forests. The word "OR?" is prominently displayed in the center, suggesting a choice between the two biking experiences.
  34
A gray insulated jacket lying on a snowy ground with some grass peeking through the snow.
  1
A fat tire bike parked in a snowy forest setting, with two black handlebar mitts attached to the handlebars. Pine trees surround the bike, and a winding snow-covered path is visible in the background.
  1
  2
  1
  5
A group of volunteers is working on a trail in a green, wooded area. Some individuals are holding tools like axes and shovels while others gather nearby, wearing hats and outdoor clothing. The scene is sunny, surrounded by bushes and grass, indicating a day of outdoor labor and conservation efforts.
  2
Alt text: A black and white image featuring mountain bikers riding through a scenic landscape in New South Wales, with the text overlay "FIVE 2 RIDE" and a location pin icon.
  1
A mountain biker is performing a jump in mid-air against a backdrop of a ski lift and scenic greenery. The image includes a banner on the left that encourages viewers to vote for the best lift-accessed bike parks for a chance to win prizes.
A bright red mountain bike with large, wide tires. The frame features a sleek and modern design, with visible suspension components and a prominent shock absorber. The handlebars are equipped with grips and a throttle, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The tires are labeled with the brand "Schwalbe," and the bike is positioned against a neutral background, showcasing its details.
  8
A person riding a mountain bike along a dirt path through a grassy landscape, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains under a blue sky filled with fluffy clouds. Pine trees are visible in the foreground and background, creating a scenic outdoor environment.
  7
A scenic view of a winding dirt trail surrounded by lush green meadows and rocky slopes, leading towards towering, rugged mountains under a clear blue sky. Snow patches are visible on the peaks, suggesting a mountainous terrain that invites exploration.
  10
A person riding a mountain bike with thick tires is navigating over rocky terrain covered in snow. They are wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and winter clothing, creating a dynamic scene against a clear blue sky. Snow is being kicked up from the bike wheels as they maneuver through the winter landscape.