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 person riding a bicycle on a dirt road, with a surprised expression, under a dramatic sky filled with dark clouds. The surrounding landscape features open fields and distant mountains.
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A mechanic inspects and repairs a burgundy bicycle, focusing on the drivetrain and rear wheel. Tools and bike equipment are visible in the background, indicating a professional bike maintenance or repair setting.
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Close-up image of a bicycle's brake system, featuring a black brake caliper labeled "dominion T4" attached to a turquoise frame. The brake lines and part of the rotor are visible in the background, showcasing the mechanical components of the bike.
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Close-up of a mountain bike tire with the brand name "Forekaster" prominently displayed. The tire shows noticeable tread patterns and is mounted on a bike frame, with a blurred forest background featuring autumn foliage. The tire specifications, including size and pressure, are also visible.
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A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, lined with trees and scattered with autumn leaves. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating dappled light on the ground.
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Alt tag: Side view of a green Bontrager cycling shoe with a black and orange sole, featuring a Boa dial closure and perforated detailing.
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A close-up image of a coffee packaging labeled "Hiker's Brew Coffee" resting in the pocket of a bicycle's handlebar bag. The packaging features brewing instructions for different methods such as French Press and Pour Over, along with details highlighting sustainability. The blurred background shows natural terrain, hinting at an outdoor setting.
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A rocky trail winding through a forest, surrounded by bare trees and scattered stones. The landscape is devoid of foliage, revealing a rugged terrain under a clear blue sky.
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A metal sign displaying a trail map and open trail names, including "Fireline," "Cease & Desist," "Drop the Hammer," "Thunderdome," and "Family Flow," in a scenic outdoor area with trees and a path leading to a bridge.
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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Black waterproof boots featuring a high top design, BOA tightening system, and a rugged sole, placed on a snowy surface with dry grass in the background.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over a dirt ramp in a wooded area, surrounded by tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves. The rider is mid-air with both wheels off the ground, showcasing their skills and technique.
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A close-up image of a bicycle seat with a unique design featuring the word "LOVE" repeatedly in various orientations. The seat is held by a hand, with a wooden surface and blurred background of leaves, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A bright orange mountain bike with a robust frame and large, treaded tires. The bike features a modern design with a prominent brand logo, a dual-suspension system, and a gear setup visible on the rear wheel. The handlebars are equipped with grips and a brake lever, showcasing its readiness for rugged terrains.
A mountain biker riding swiftly around a dirt trail in a wooded area, with a blurred foreground showing a pile of dirt and pine needles. The scene captures the excitement of biking in nature. Mo-Flo mountain bike trail.
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A close-up profile of a person wearing a beige mountain bike helmet and black sunglasses, sitting on grass. The helmet features ventilation holes and branding from the State Bicycle Company. The background is blurred with natural greenery.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a forest. The rider is wearing a blue jacket, orange shorts, and a helmet, with dirt and mud on their legs and bike. Ferns and moss are visible alongside the trail, creating a lush green backdrop. The setting suggests an adventurous outdoor activity in a natural environment.
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A compact Insta360 camera resting on a wooden surface, showcasing a black and red design. The camera features a prominent lens on the left and a small screen with control buttons on the right, set against a blurred background of trees and greenery.
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A pair of black athletic shoes with a sleek design, featuring a smooth upper, round toe, and red rubber outsole. The shoes have a lace-up closure and perforated accents for breathability.
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A cyclist riding along a mountain road, surrounded by lush green trees and distant mountains, with the sun shining brightly in the background, casting a long shadow on the pavement.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a desert landscape during sunset, with striking red rock formations and sparse vegetation surrounding the path.
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A group of ten individuals in mountain biking gear, standing on a rocky path with a scenic view in the background. They are smiling and posing for the camera, holding an American flag at the center. The group is wearing matching green shirts and includes both men and women. A mountain bike is visible on the ground nearby. The sky is clear with some clouds, and trees surround the area.
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A cyclist navigating a muddy trail surrounded by greenery and tall grass, wearing a helmet and dark clothing. The biker is focused and leaning forward as they maneuver their bike along a winding dirt path in a forested area.
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A red trail building machine is positioned on a hillside, with a worker operating a small excavator in the background. The machine is designed to help shape and maintain dirt paths, and the area shows freshly cleared soil amidst greenery and rocky terrain.
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A mountain biker in mid-air jumps off a rocky terrain while another cyclist rides along a path beside a road under a clear blue sky. Surrounding trees and a wooden fence create a natural backdrop for the scene.
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A person wearing a helmet and sunglasses is riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail through a lush, green forest. They are in mid-air, performing a jump, with trees and foliage surrounding the path. The sunlight filters through the leaves, illuminating the scene.
A world map highlighting various locations marked with orange dots, representing specific points of interest or data points across continents, including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The map features geographic details such as landmasses, oceans, and terrain variations.
A sleek, modern bicycle featuring a gradient orange frame, disc brakes, and wide tires designed for gravel or off-road riding. The bike is positioned against a white background, showcasing its lightweight design and advanced features.
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Close-up view of a bicycle’s headtube and front suspension system. The image features a transparent frame showcasing the internal components, including a metallic spring mechanism and black connectors, with a blue emblem on the headset.
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A cyclist in an orange shirt and shorts is riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background. The bike is loaded with gear, and the sky is partly cloudy.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire showing its textured tread pattern, set against a blurred green background. The tire is designed for optimal grip and traction on varied terrain.
A clear speed limit sign indicating a limit of 20 miles per hour, mounted on a post, with blurred greenery in the background.
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A cyclist performing a jump on a mountain bike in a forested area, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves, showcasing an action-packed moment in a natural setting.
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