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 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.
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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.
A close-up of a brown sign showing a bicycle with a red prohibition symbol across it, indicating no biking allowed. In the background, a wooded area and another informational sign are visible, along with fallen leaves on the ground.
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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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A cartoon illustration of a man riding a bicycle while holding a phone to his ear. He appears to be in mid-air, with one arm extended out to the side. The background features greenery and trees, and text at the bottom reads, "When biking, cell phones should be used in hands-free mode only."
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A woman with long brown hair smiles while wearing a bright red jacket, standing outdoors in a rugged landscape. In the background, there are distant mountains and a clear blue sky.
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A cartoon depicting a conversation between two characters on a bike path in a green, outdoor setting. A woman with brown hair and a yellow shirt expresses concern about a man's teeth, questioning if he had a bad crash. The man, wearing a red and blue shirt, responds humorously, saying his teeth are fine and it's just a Powerbar. A bike rests beside him, adding to the context of outdoor cycling.
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A mountain bike racer crosses the finish line, raising one arm in victory. A crowd of enthusiastic spectators cheers along the sidelines, showing expressions of excitement and support. The setting features a dirt path surrounded by trees and a clear sky, with banners and flags in the background.
A mountain bike tire resting upright on a rocky trail, showcasing its tread pattern and disc brake rotor in the center. The background features blurred greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.
A mountain biker riding along a rocky trail surrounded by rugged terrain and sparse vegetation. The cyclist is captured mid-action on a steep incline, showcasing the adventurous spirit of outdoor biking.
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A silver metal trash can standing on grassy ground, accompanied by a trash picker tool leaning against it. The background features trees and lush greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.