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 vibrant orange mountain bike displayed against a stunning aurora borealis backdrop, with snow-covered terrain in the foreground. The image includes a "Best of 2024" graphic in the top right corner.
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An assortment of mountain biking gear featuring two bicycles—a light green bike and a black bike—alongside a collection of accessories including a light blue helmet, gloves, knee pads, bike saddle, and brake levers, all set against a bright yellow background.
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A pair of green Fox Union BOA clipless cycling shoes featuring a sleek design, two BOA® closure dials, and a textured sole for optimal grip. One shoe is shown from the side, while the other is displayed with its sole facing up. A red starburst label indicates a price of $165.
Two individuals stand next to a colorful bicycle with a pink frame and yellow spokes against a turquoise wall. One person wears an olive green tracksuit with gold chains, while the other is dressed in a black t-shirt with a graphic design and light blue jeans. They are both making hand gestures, and the scene conveys a relaxed and stylish vibe.
A mountain biker in an orange shirt and black shorts jumps over a rocky section of a trail in a forest, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.
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Image featuring a variety of mountain biking products for Cyber Monday deals, including a drone, a dropper post, a bike ramp, sunglasses, cycling shoes, a jacket, a water bottle, and a bike pump, all arranged on a bright blue background. The text "LIMITED TIME MTB DEALS" and "CYBER MONDAY" is prominently displayed.
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A bike workshop with two technicians working on bicycle assembly and maintenance. One technician is assembling a bike frame using tools and equipment, while the other is standing near a large cardboard box labeled "FOX" and working with parts. The environment features workbenches, tools hanging on the walls, and a cart with bicycle wheels.
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Close-up view of a bicycle tire with a knobby tread pattern, showcasing dirt and debris, set against a blurred background of greenery and wood.
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Close-up of a bicycle seat with an electric control device on top. The device has a button and a red indicator light, with a wire connecting it to the bike. The background shows a blurred view of the bicycle frame.
A mountain biker performing a wheelie on CrossWorx TRIP290 eMTB surrounded by trees and green foliage. The biker is wearing a helmet and sportswear, showcasing an energetic and dynamic moment in off-road cycling.
A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a wooded area, with a focus on the bike's rear wheel and the rider's leg. The background features trees with autumn foliage and fallen leaves on the ground.
A wooden signpost with the text "Danger Will Robinson" stands on a rocky, leaf-strewn path in a lush green forest. The surrounding area is dotted with trees, and the trail curves into the distance, indicating a natural hiking route with potential hazards.
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Black Friday Week advertisement featuring various products on a bright yellow background. Items include a GoPro camera, fitness watch, sunglasses, portable air pump, fanny pack, smartphone armband, bicycle pedal, tire tool, and a small toolkit. Prominently displayed text reads "BLACK FRIDAY WEEK" and "AMAZON."
Close-up view of a Bosch Performance Line CX motor mounted on a mountain bike, showing the casing and surrounding components, with dirt and mud visible, indicating outdoor use.
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A cyclist riding a Mondraker Arid gravel bike in a blue outfit and white helmet navigates a dirt trail through a grassy area, with mountains and a blue sky filled with clouds in the background.
A male mountain biker in a white and blue racing kit with "USA" printed on it navigates a winding forest trail. He is seen leaning into a turn, focused and determined, while a cheering crowd is visible in the background, waving flags and supporting the racers. The scene captures the excitement of the race in a lush, green setting.
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A close-up view of a gray CamelBak M.U.L.E. pack worn around the waist, featuring a vibrant orange fleece, a yellow water bottle labeled "TOTALLY AWESOME COFFEE," and a dark-colored water bottle on either side. The background shows a blurred forest setting, enhancing the outdoor theme.
Close-up of a bicycle's rear brake system, featuring a black bimetal caliper with a yellow logo, mounted on a black frame with visible gears and cables. The background shows a blurred natural setting with greenery.
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Image showing various gifts ideal for gravel biking, including a pair of cycling shoes, a helmet, a silver gravel bike, a blue cycling vest, a bike-mounted GPS device, a flashlight, a red bike tail light, and patterned bike tape, all arranged on a purple background with the text "Best Gifts for Gravel Biking."
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A close-up view of a Transition Bandit blue mountain bike with a rider's legs visible. The bike is parked on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and ferns. The rider is wearing a green and black shirt and dark shorts, along with gloves and sturdy shoes, ready for an outdoor adventure.
A vibrant yellow Santa Cruz Tallboy mountain bike partially obscured by green foliage, set against a natural backdrop of grass and trees. The bike features a sturdy frame, thick tires, and well-defined handlebars, suggesting it is designed for off-road use.
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Kyle Neuser poses with his design, the steel Trek Pipe Dream full suspension mountain bike in a workshop setting.
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A close-up image of a hand holding a silver Stans Incredible DART tool with a black nozzle and a small tool attached at the end. The inflator features the brand name "STANS." The background is slightly blurred, focusing on the inflator and hand.
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Alt text: A collection of various tools arranged on a colorful background. The tools include a black spray gun, a wooden-handled saw, a multi-tool, and a set of red hex keys housed in a wooden box, alongside a compact device with a pink and black design.
Close-up of a polished aluminum PNW Loam bicycle stem component, featuring six dark screws and a distinctive design with the letters "PNW" engraved on the side. The stem rests on a textured stone surface, with a blurred natural background.
A camping tent and a bicycle helmet displayed side by side against a plain background. The tent is a lightweight design with a gray exterior and mesh panels, while the helmet is a modern-style, dark green with adjustable straps.
A mountain biker jumping over rocky terrain with trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
A bike mechanic in an apron stands in a workshop, holding a mountain bike on a repair stand. The background features a pegboard with various bike tools, parts on shelves, and a selection of bike tires, creating a bustling repair environment.
  2
A collection of outdoor gear displayed against a scenic background featuring a sunset. Items include a red Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator, a green and blue plaid long-sleeve shirt, a gray sleeping bag, a Fenix headlamp, and a small black and green storage bag.
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A person in protective gear operates a chainsaw on a fallen tree, sending wood chips and sawdust flying. Another worker, wearing a helmet and safety vest, observes from behind. The scene is set in a wooded area with trees and brush in the background.
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Jason Connor attempts to break the world record for longest distance ridden on a pump track without pedaling or stopping.
  4
A scenic mountain landscape featuring two cyclists resting beside their bikes, with snow-capped peaks in the background and vibrant flowers in the foreground. The sky is clear with a few clouds, highlighting the natural beauty of the outdoor setting. The image includes the logo for "Planet Cyclery" in the top right corner and a hashtag "#PedalThePlanet" at the bottom.
A mountain biker in a helmet and sunglasses rides an electric bike up a rocky incline, showcasing bike skills on a rugged trail surrounded by grass and wildflowers under a cloudy sky.
Close-up view of a Teravail Washburn gravel bike tire showing its tread pattern, with a portion of the bike's brake system visible in the background. The tire is slightly muddy, indicating outdoor use on a rugged terrain. Soft green foliage and blurred elements suggest a natural setting.
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An image featuring a silver mountain bike at the center, surrounded by various biking gear: lightweight black pants, a pair of yellow and black athletic shoes, black gloves, a grey jacket, and a purple bicycle pedal, all set against a geometric background.
A mountain biker's view from the handlebars, showing a GPS device displaying speed and distance, with two fellow cyclists visible in the background on a grassy trail surrounded by trees and mountains.
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Joey Schusler riding a turquoise mountain bike with Enve Series M wheels on a dirt trail in a grassy open area, with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky. The rider is leaning into a turn, kicking up dust from the trail.
A cartoon AI robot standing with a mountain bike in front of a mountain range.
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A mountain biker wearing a helmet and sunglasses performs a jump on a rocky trail surrounded by lush green trees. The cyclist is focused and actively engaging with the terrain, showcasing the thrill of outdoor biking.
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A man wearing a bicycle helmet and sunglasses points directly at the camera while standing against a natural background with blurred foliage. He is dressed in a light blue athletic shirt and appears serious and focused.
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A mountain biker in protective gear navigates a steep, root-covered trail through a misty forest. Tall trees surround the path, creating a serene yet challenging environment for off-road cycling.
A flat lay image featuring a black Garmin solar watch displaying heart rate, a pair of blue sunglasses, a silver portable camping stove with flames, a blue hydration backpack, and a bicycle repair stand against a gradient green background.
A scenic view of rolling hills covered with trees, capturing the lush greenery in the foreground and the mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. The landscape features a pathway winding through the grassy area, with sunlight illuminating the scene, creating a serene natural setting.
Crowd of people gathered on stairs and a platform, enthusiastically taking photos with their phones and cameras. Some individuals are holding a flag, and the setting features trees and a scenic view in the background. The atmosphere appears vibrant and engaged, likely in a festive or competitive event.