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 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 pair of stylish sunglasses resting on a textured rock surface, with a dark lens and a brown tortoiseshell frame, featuring a soft strap attached for secure wear.
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 close-up of a trail marker showing three colored signs: a blue rectangle at the top, an orange square with a right arrow in the middle, and a brown rectangle at the bottom with a hand illustration and the text "Be Nice Say Hi!" against a blurred forest background with scattered leaves on the ground.
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A park ranger standing near a trailhead sign for the Red Fleet Flow Trail, holding a clipboard. The sign features information about the trail and payment instructions, surrounded by shrubs and red soil.
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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.
A black bicycle with a brown seat resting on lush green grass in a wooded area. The bike features a simple design, suitable for outdoor riding, with a chain and textured tires. In the background, you can see trees and greenery, creating a natural, peaceful setting.
A close-up of a trail marker showing three colored signs: a blue rectangle at the top, an orange square with a right arrow in the middle, and a brown rectangle at the bottom with a hand illustration and the text "Be Nice Say Hi!" against a blurred forest background with scattered leaves on the ground.
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A close-up image of a black Glowworm device featuring a digital display that shows the time as 05:28. The device has a sleek design with a matte finish and a logo prominently displayed on the front.
A path winding through a semi-recovered forest, featuring blackened trees from a past wildfire. Lush green undergrowth flourishes along the trail, while hikers can be seen navigating the terrain in the background under a clear blue sky.
A cartoon illustration of two cyclists on a mountain trail. The cyclist in red is making a humorous remark about solving a creaking sound on his bike by using earplugs. The background features green trees and a blue sky, adding a lively outdoor atmosphere.
A person stands with outstretched arms in a large warehouse filled with rows of colorful bicycles. The space is well-lit, and banners hang from the ceiling. The sheer number of bikes creates a vibrant, lively scene.
A purple mountain bike is positioned among trees in a dense forest. The bike features thick tires and a sturdy frame, surrounded by green foliage and pine needles. Soft, natural lighting filters through the trees, creating a serene outdoor atmosphere.
A black and white image of a street scene featuring a row of historical brick buildings. The foreground shows a parked black car next to a landscaped sidewalk with small trees and plants. A storefront displays bicycles in the windows, while another building features a sign with the number "220." The architecture reflects a blend of commercial styles, showcasing large windows and decorative elements typical of older urban design.
A mountain bike is positioned on a repair stand in a garage, next to a black tool chest on wheels. The garage features wooden paneling, shelving with plastic storage bins, and various bike accessories hanging on the wall. Tools and equipment are visible underneath the tool chest. A second bike can be seen in the background.
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