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 mountain bike rests on a rocky trail surrounded by tall pine trees, with a scenic view of distant mountains and a serene lake in the background against a colorful sunset sky. Downieville Downhill mountain bike trail.
  1
Close-up image of a helmet-mounted bike light, showing the light attachment on the top of a black helmet. The background is blurred, depicting a green, natural environment.
  1
A child in an orange shirt rides a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a lush green forest. In the foreground, an adult cyclist in a striped shirt and helmet is positioned slightly to the left, observing the child as they navigate a bend in the trail. The scene captures the excitement of biking in nature surrounded by trees and foliage.
Two mountain bikers navigating a curved wooden bridge on a trail surrounded by lush green trees and plants in a forested environment.
An illustration of a bicycle shop with a male technician working on a green bicycle on a repair stand. The background features various bike repair tools on a pegboard, while several bicycles hang nearby, some with tags marked "SOLD OUT" and one tagged "NOT FOR SALE." The environment is organized and showcases a variety of bicycles and tools.
  7
  3
A black bicycle saddle with a blue and white "Volt" logo, featuring textured strips for enhanced grip, resting on a wooden surface in a natural outdoor setting.
A male cyclist wearing a camouflaged jersey and sunglasses is intensely focused while racing on a mountain bike. The number "1402" is displayed prominently on his bike. He is in a grassy area with a blurred background suggesting a competitive outdoor setting.
  6
Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars, showcasing the grips, brake levers, and shifter, with a gray garage door in the background.
  12
A cyclist stands in front of a brick wall, visibly distressed as she wipes her forehead with one hand. She wears a black and pink cycling jersey and is surrounded by outdoor gear. The background suggests she has just finished a challenging ride.
  1
Two cyclists are depicted in a split image: on the left, a black-and-white photo of a mountain biker in a race, and on the right, a color photo of a rider navigating a forest trail. The right side features a logo celebrating the 40th anniversary of Rocky Mountain, with text "1981 40 2021."
A cyclist with a multi-colored shirt and helmet is maneuvering a bicycle along a street surrounded by mountains, while carrying gear in bags attached to the bike. The background features parked vehicles and a mix of greenery and buildings under a partly cloudy sky.
A mountain biker in a red outfit performs an aerial jump over a dirt ramp, surrounded by spectators capturing the moment on camera. The scene is set against a backdrop of rocky terrain and a large crowd watching from a hillside under a clear sky. Dust is kicked up from the ramp as the biker soars above the ground.
  10
Close-up view of a turquoise bicycle frame with a water bottle mounted on the side. The image shows black straps securing the water bottle cage to the frame, with a portion of a muddy tire visible on the left side. The background features greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
  1
  1
A scenic landscape featuring several white cows grazing in a grassy field, with a few cyclists in the background riding on a dirt path. Lush greenery and trees line the horizon under a partly cloudy sky. Nuvali Trails mountain bike trail.
  1
Two mountain bikers navigate through a sandy desert landscape, one pushing his bike while the other follows closely behind, both wearing helmets and casual outdoor attire. The background features reddish rock formations and sparse vegetation under a blue sky.
  3
A modern mountain bike positioned on a forest path surrounded by greenery. The bike features a sleek, black frame and wide tires, with detailed components visible, such as the chain and suspension. Fallen leaves cover the ground, complementing the natural setting.
  1
A person stands outdoors in a wooded area, wearing a gray short-sleeved shirt and black shorts. They are also wearing a wristwatch and appear relaxed while surrounded by greenery and trees.
  8
  1
A competitive mountain biking race scene featuring multiple cyclists navigating a wooden ramp on a cobblestone path. The foreground shows a cyclist in a blue outfit preparing to ascend the ramp, while two other riders are seen behind her. In the background, spectators watch from behind barriers, with colorful flowers and trees lining the area. A promotional banner is visible, adding to the event's atmosphere.
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.
  7
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.
  1
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.
  8
Image of a bicycle handlebar featuring a mounted LED light system with three lenses. The background shows blurred tree trunks, suggesting an outdoor setting.
  3
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.
  2
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."
  1
  4
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.
  9
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.
  4
  2
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.
  9
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 mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by trees in Sun Valley. The image features the text "Ride Like a Local" prominently displayed.
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.
  7
  4
A person riding a red mountain bike through a lush green forest, captured in motion. The rider is wearing a black helmet, gray shirt, and black shorts, with trees and foliage visible in the background.
  12
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.
  5