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
 
Close-up view of the drivetrain and pedals of a mountain bike, featuring a dirty black frame, chain, and gears, set against a backdrop of golden grass. The image highlights the intricate components and rugged design of the bike, emphasizing its use for outdoor adventures.
  7
A person in a blue shirt and black shorts is riding a mountain bike over a leaf-covered trail in a wooded area. The scene features trees and a path visible in the background, suggesting an outdoor biking adventure during the fall or winter season.
  3
A person performing a workout in a gym, using a barbell in a low push position. The environment features gym equipment, including a kettlebell in the foreground and climbing ropes in the background, conveying an active and focused atmosphere. The image is presented in black and white, emphasizing the intensity of the scene.
  12
A person standing on a trail in a forested area, wearing a green and black plaid shirt and dark pants. Their hands are tucked in their pockets, and they are wearing outdoor shoes. The background features greenery and scattered leaves along the path.
  29
A scenic view of mountains silhouetted against a vibrant sunset, with lush green fields in the foreground. The sky displays hues of orange, pink, and blue, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
  1
A person riding a mountain bike jumps off a dirt ramp in a lush green landscape under a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The rider is wearing a bright orange helmet and a teal shirt, showcasing an action-packed moment in outdoor cycling.
  7
A mountain biker navigates rocky terrain while competing in a race. Spectators watch from the side, surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks. The biker wears a helmet and sunglasses, and the bicycle features a race number.
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, with another cyclist visible in the background. The scene captures the thrill of outdoor biking in a forested area.
  6
Aerial view of a forested area featuring winding bike trails and a pump track with green and black features, surrounded by a rural landscape with fields and scattered houses in the background. Harstad Bike Park mountain bike trail.
A collage featuring three outdoor scenes: on the left, a man smiles while holding a corgi dog inside a utility vehicle; in the center, a cyclist is captured mid-jump on a dirt trail during a mountain biking event; on the right, a silhouette of a cyclist rides against a vibrant sunset backdrop.
A group of mountain bikers dressed in colorful jackets and helmets celebrating together on a wooded trail covered in brown leaves. Some are posing with their bikes, while others raise their hands in excitement. The scene is set in a misty, damp environment, highlighting the camaraderie and joy of outdoor cycling.
  7
A person riding a red mountain bike along a grassy path near a pond, surrounded by tall grass and trees in the background during sunset.
A mountain biker falls near the edge of a steep, rocky trail while others watch from above, with a blue race barrier prominently displayed. The ocean can be seen in the background under a clear sky, and the scene captures the excitement and intensity of a mountain biking event.
  6
A person wearing a black and blue mountain biking helmet and a long-sleeve shirt with the text "ENDURO MTB TRAINING!" stands outdoors. The background features reddish rocky terrain, suggesting a mountain biking location. The individual appears focused and is looking off to the side. They are carrying a hydration pack.
Close-up image of a bicycle crankset and chainring, showcasing the intricate design and gear details, set against a blurred green grass background.
  14
A focused technician is inspecting and adjusting a high-performance bicycle while a cyclist is positioned on the bike. The technician is wearing a gray shirt and black gloves, looking attentively at the cyclist's posture. The image highlights the detailed mechanics of the bicycle and the collaboration between the technician and the cyclist.
A cyclist riding a fat bike along a snowy trail, with a second fat bike in the foreground partially covered in snow. The background features trees and a trail sign indicating that the trail is open. The cyclist is wearing a black outfit and a helmet.
  6
A colorful bicycle with a red and blue frame is parked on a dirt path surrounded by trees and autumn leaves. The bike features drop handlebars and a black saddle, with a chain and gears visible on the right side. Soft sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
  4
A panoramic view of a lush green area with a sandy landscape under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. The foreground features tall grass and wildflowers, while gentle hills and trees frame the background, creating a serene natural setting. Quarry Trails Metro Park mountain bike trail.
  3
A wild turkey standing on a dirt path in a wooded area, with trees and fallen leaves surrounding it. A fork in the path is visible, leading into the forest. Collinsville Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails mountain bike trail.
  6
An electric mountain bike parked on a dirt trail surrounded by trees with autumn foliage. A wooden sign indicates that motorcycles are only allowed beyond this point. Leaves cover the ground, creating a colorful fall scene.
  9
A mountain biker in a blue jersey and black shorts jumps over a dirt slope during a race, with trees and spectators in the background. Blue tape lines the track, and the scene captures the excitement of competitive mountain biking in a forested area.
  1
Smartphone mount displaying a GPS navigation screen on a bicycle handlebar, showing a map with the label "Seminary Wood" and distance verification of 0.67 miles. The background features autumn foliage.
  7
A lush, green forest trail surrounded by tall trees, with a winding dirt path leading through the foliage. Text overlay reads “RIDE LIKE A LOCAL PISGAH,” along with a small inset image of a person operating machinery in a forested area.
  2
Three cyclists riding mountain bikes along a dirt trail through a grassy, forested area with pine trees.
  19
A cyclist's view from the handlebars of a mountain bike, with a hand gripping the left handlebar. The scene features a road alongside a grassy area, with a vehicle traveling on the road and railway tracks visible on the right side. Overcast sky and trees are seen in the background. The bike's speedometer shows a speed reading of 18 mph.
  6
A mountain biker performing a jump on a rocky trail in Moab, Utah, with red rock formations and a cloudy sky in the background. The image includes text that says "Ride Like a Local Moab Utah," and a small inset photo of a smiling man wearing a hat and a blue shirt.
A close-up of a black and yellow athletic shoe resting on a wooden stump, with visible dirt and mud, indicating outdoor activity. The shoe features a textured design and a distinct branding logo on the side.
  2
Close-up image of a bicycle drivetrain, featuring a turquoise crank arm, black chain, and a chainring. The background shows a portion of a tire and grass.
  17
A mountain biker navigating a steep, winding dirt trail surrounded by trees, with spectators in the background watching the race. The cyclist is wearing a blue and orange jersey and a helmet, leaning into the turn as they pedal hard on their bike. In the background, banners for a bike park are visible, along with several onlookers, some seated and some standing.
  2
A person stands in a trade show booth, holding a bicycle handlebar with both hands while smiling at the camera. They are wearing a green t-shirt and a lanyard with a badge around their neck. In the background, bicycle wheels are displayed on a wall, and a staircase is visible.
  11
A mountain bike with a black frame and red front fork rests on a debris-strewn ground. The bike features branded tires, a visible gear system, and is surrounded by scattered bricks and rubble, set against a background of earthy terrain.
  19
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire and frame, showcasing the textured tread of the tire and the turquoise color of the bike's frame against a natural, leaf-covered ground surface.
  1
Map of El Depot Mountain Bike Trail, featuring various designated paths for mountain biking and foot traffic. The map includes trail lengths, elevation gain, and parking information, along with use guidelines emphasizing safety for bikers and hikers, as well as rules for dog owners. El Depot Mountain Bike Park mountain bike trail.
  1
A young child riding a bicycle on a dirt track, leaning into a turn. The child wears a blue helmet and a blue shirt with green shorts, navigating a slope with red dirt. In the background, grassy areas and additional dirt paths are visible.
  1
A spacious workshop featuring several workbenches with wooden tops and blue tool chests. In the foreground, a blue bike repair stand is set up, with black stools nearby. The environment is well-lit, with overhead lighting and an empty projection screen at the back. The floors are polished concrete, and the walls are plain with some ventilation ducts visible.
A Subaru SUV parked on grass with a black bike rack attached at the rear. The bike rack holds a vibrant pink mountain bike, showcasing its front tire and frame. In the background, there are trees indicating a natural setting, suggesting a recreational area for biking.
  10
Crowd of people gathered at a mountain resort, cheering and celebrating near a ski lift. An American flag is prominently displayed, and attendees are holding drinks and phones. The scene captures a lively outdoor atmosphere with trees and buildings in the background.
A mountain biker wearing a helmet and protective gear is mid-air, performing a jump over a dirt ramp during a competition. The biker’s jersey features the number 62, and there are spectators in the background. The scene is set in a grassy area, surrounded by race markers and a natural landscape. Dust is being kicked up from the ground as the biker lands.
A close-up view of a bike's handlebar with a GPS device displaying a map and tracking information, including speed and time elapsed. The background features blurred natural scenery, suggesting an outdoor biking environment.
Image showing a ruler partially buried in dirt and debris, with several screws embedded on a wooden board in the lower half of the image. The top half displays a close-up of the ruler with soil and pine needles surrounding it, while the bottom half highlights the wooden board with screws protruding from it.
  17
A close-up image of a hand holding a small electronic component with a yellow base and multiple connecting pins. The background is blurred, showing part of a bicycle frame.
Alt text: Map of Silver Creek Bike Park with local information including a link to add or improve the map, trail check-ins, and details about camping and lodging. The background features a gradient from blue to green.
A young man wearing a red hoodie and a helmet stands on a red bicycle in a skate park. He is holding the handlebars and looking thoughtfully into the distance, with vibrant graffiti art featuring cosmic themes and abstract designs in the background. The scene is well-lit, highlighting both the rider and the colorful mural.
A top-down view of a red helmet, showcasing its interior design. The inside features black padding, ventilation holes, and adjustable straps for fit. The helmet's surface is smooth and glossy, highlighting its protective features.
A silver pickup truck parked on a dirt road with a mountain backdrop, displaying four mountain bikes securely mounted on a bike rack attached to its rear. The scene suggests an outdoor adventure setting, possibly during a light rain, with lush green hills in the distance.
  3
Four individuals are gathered in a parking lot, engaging in conversation. Two adults, one in a red shirt and the other wearing a blue top, stand facing each other while a child in a red shirt looks on. A man on a bicycle, wearing a helmet and a black t-shirt, is also part of the discussion. Everyone is wearing masks, and bicycles are parked nearby, with a baseball field visible in the background.
A graphic featuring a mountain biker navigating rocky terrain with trees in the background, accompanied by four images of individuals with microphones, discussing their favorite bikes. The text overlay reads "Which bikes were our favorites?" and "Mid Travel Mashup."