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 red valve tool with the logo "NoTubes.com" is positioned among several metal valve stems on a textured surface. The scene includes a couple of worn or dirty valve stems, displaying various conditions, alongside traces of white powder, possibly tire sealant residue. The setting appears to be outdoors, with natural elements in the background.
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A colorful Trek mountain bike is displayed on a black tiled surface, with an attractive wooden backdrop consisting of lattice-style doors. The bike features a gradient color scheme transitioning from blue to red, showcasing the unique frame design and high-performance components. Soft sunlight enhances the scene, illuminating the bike's details.
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A side-by-side comparison of mountain biking in the 1990s and 2021. The top section features a green and orange 90s mountain bike alongside a rugged, root-covered trail. The bottom section showcases a modern orange mountain bike with wider tires next to a smooth, forested trail. Text labels indicate "90s MTBING" at the top and "2021 MTBING" at the bottom.
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Image of a bicycle handlebar featuring a mounted LED light system with three lenses. The background shows blurred tree trunks, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A group of wildlife officers are observing and managing an alligator on a wooded pathway. The pathway is lined with lush greenery, and there are trees in the background. The officers are using ropes to control the situation, ensuring safety as they work in the environment. Yellow caution tape is visible in the scene, indicating an area of concern.
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A forested mountain biking trail featuring a wooden ramp, surrounded by lush greenery and fern plants. Inset image shows a person in an orange jacket working with tools. Text overlay reads, "Ride Like a Local, North Shore."
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Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar with three digital devices displaying various cycling data, including time and navigation. The background features a smooth, empty asphalt path bordered by green grass, suggesting a recreational cycling environment.
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A selection of various bicycle handles is displayed on a wooden surface, set against a blurred green background. The grips feature different designs, colors, and textures, including black, orange, and camouflage patterns. A small tool is placed next to the grips.
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Mullet Honeymaker: A silver mountain bike standing in shallow water, surrounded by rocks and lush greenery. The bike features sturdy tires with orange accents and a sleek, modern design. In the background, a wooden bridge is partially visible among the trees.
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Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail in a scenic landscape, featuring red rocks and greenery in the foreground and expansive views of mountains and valleys in the background. The image includes a logo for the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival, scheduled for November 12-14, 2021.
A person wearing a grey shirt and turquoise pants stands in a wooded area, with their hands on their hips. They are wearing a grey waist bag with a logo on the side, designed for outdoor activities. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting a natural setting.
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A silhouette of a person riding a fat bike across a sandy desert landscape at sunset, with golden light illuminating the scene and long shadows cast on the dunes.
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A black mountain bike resting on a gravel path beside a creek in a lush green forest, with a blurred figure in a blue shirt visible in the background.
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A yellow sign affixed to a tree in a forest, reading "NO CAMPING HERE" in black letters. The background features bare trees against a light sky, indicating a wooded area.
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A scenic view of a waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs surrounded by lush greenery, with a mountain biker navigating the rugged terrain below. The image includes a smaller inset photo of a person biking through a forested area, highlighting outdoor recreational activities in Northwest Arkansas. Bold text overlaid reads "RIDE LIKE A LOCAL NW ARKANSAS."
A person wearing a black bike helmet and green goggles sits on grass in a field with flowers. They have a short beard and are wearing a dark shirt with green sleeves. The background features a hilly landscape with trees and grass.
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A circle of hands wearing colorful mountain biking gloves with a stylized design, positioned above a dirt trail and mountain bikes.
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A close-up of two hands securing a portable bicycle pump to the frame of an orange bike, using a colorful strap for attachment. The background features natural foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting. The image highlights the practicality of bike maintenance accessories.
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A mountain biker wearing a helmet and protective gear navigates a dirt trail surrounded by greenery, with dust kicking up behind them. The rider is focused on the path ahead and is wearing a jersey with a colorful design. A race number, "123," is visible on the bike.
A scenic landscape featuring a mountain biker standing on the edge of a rocky outcrop in St. George, Utah, with vast desert terrain and distant mountains in the background. The image includes a smaller inset photo of a smiling woman, along with the text "Ride Like a Local St. George."
A child riding a mountain bike on a sandy trail, surrounded by trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. The child is wearing a blue helmet and a blue shirt, showcasing a sense of adventure and outdoor activity.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebar setup, featuring a black stem with a digital display mount, a turquoise frame, and a dropper post. The background shows a grassy area, emphasizing an outdoor cycling environment.
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A person wearing a light gray mountain biking helmet and large, reflective sunglasses stands outdoors near a river. They have short hair, earrings, and are dressed in a green striped shirt. The background features rocks and foliage, with a glimpse of a bridge and trees by the water.
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A close-up image of a bicycle seat with a saddlebag attached. The seat is black and features ergonomic design elements. The saddlebag is made of a patterned gray material and is secured with black straps, positioned on the back of the seat post. The background is a blurred green natural setting.
Two mountain bikers are riding on a dirt track against a backdrop of clear blue sky. One biker is airborne, performing a jump off a dirt mound, while the other is riding along the track. In the background, a ski lift and a small building are situated on a grassy hill. The scene is vibrant with green vegetation surrounding the biking area.
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A close-up view of a bike computer mounted on the handlebars, displaying data from a ride. The screen shows the date as May 15, 2021, the time as 5:08, the ride duration as 1 hour and 40 minutes, distance covered as 19.4 miles, average speed of 11 mph, maximum speed of 22.3 mph, and elevation information. The background features blurred greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A cartoon character with messy hair wearing a bright red shirt featuring a bicycle design. He looks slightly bewildered and is holding a bicycle helmet. The background is a gradient of blue sky. The caption humorously discusses brands researching ways to prevent "helmet hair" after promoting protective helmet features.
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A close-up of a green fabric with a logo that says "Kitsbow" lying on a work surface. In the background, a person is using a sewing machine and has their hands positioned on additional fabric, while a marker is placed nearby. The scene is set in a textile workshop.
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