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 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.
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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.
A person wearing a black cycling helmet and sunglasses is taking a selfie on a scenic bike path. The background features bare trees and a body of water, indicating a cool, possibly early winter day. The individual is dressed in a sleek, black cycling jersey with white stripes.
  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.
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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.
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Close-up view of a mint green bicycle frame with the brand name "Kenevo" prominently displayed in black lettering, set against a blurred background of grass and gravel.
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.
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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.
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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
A person working on a dirt trail in a forested area, surrounded by tall trees with green moss on their trunks. The individual is using a shovel to shape the path, which curves through the woods. Logs and fallen branches are visible in the background, adding to the natural setting. Pink flags mark the trail area. Stanford Rock Trail mountain bike trail.
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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.
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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.
  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.
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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.
  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.
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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.
  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.
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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.
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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.
Two mountain bikes are mounted on a Yakima bike rack attached to the back of an SUV. The bike in the front features a bright pink frame, while the bike behind it has a more muted, metallic color. Both bikes have knobby tires suitable for rugged terrain. The background shows a clear sky and an outdoor setting, indicating a day suitable for biking activities.
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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.
A sleek Cannondale bicycle with a lightweight frame, designed for freestyle riding. The bike features large, wide Maxxis tires, a comfortable seat, and a minimalist design, set against a vibrant blue background.
  4
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."