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 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."
A person sitting in a yellow inflatable boat on calm waters, surrounded by red rock formations under a clear blue sky. The boat is loaded with outdoor gear, including a bicycle and a paddle, while the individual wears sunglasses and a cap.
Map displaying the Multi-Use Mountain Bike Trail at Lone Lake Park, including a legend for trail markers, parking, restrooms, and other park features. Lone Lake Park mountain bike trail.
  1
Aerial view of a rugged landscape featuring a winding dirt trail surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, highlighting the beauty of a mountainous region.
A bright orange mountain bike with a sleek design, featuring thick tires and a sturdy frame, positioned on a natural forest floor surrounded by greenery.
  2
A mountain bike resting on a rocky outcrop in a grassy landscape. The bike features a light tan frame with black wheels and prominent Maxxis tires, positioned at an angle to showcase its design. The background includes sparse vegetation and a clear sky, suggesting an outdoor, adventurous setting.
  7
A pipeline stretches through a dense forest of evergreen trees, with mountains visible in the background under a clear blue sky. The scene captures a blend of natural beauty and industrial infrastructure, highlighting the contrast between the lush green landscape and the white pipeline.
  1
A panoramic view of layered mountains in the background, with a variety of green trees and hints of autumn colors in the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Two men are conversing in a bicycle shop filled with various bikes and accessories. The store features a vibrant display of bicycles hung on the walls and showcased on the floor, with a neon sign indicating "PARTS & SERVICE." The men are wearing masks and appear to be engaged in a discussion about the products. The interior has a modern aesthetic with natural light coming in from large windows.
  7
A mountain biker in a blue jersey jumps off a dirt ramp while racing on a downhill trail. In the background, spectators watch as the biker performs the stunt, with a ski lift visible and trees lining the hillside. A sign with the logo of "Snowshoe" is displayed along the course.
  5
A group of female mountain bikers lined up at the starting line of a race, with one cyclist smiling at the camera. She is wearing a colorful jersey representing the Trek Factory Racing team. A camera crew is capturing the moment, and various team banners are visible in the background. Umbrellas provide shade from the sun.
A mountain biker navigates a rocky terrain while racing through a wooded area, with a Mercedes-Benz banner visible in the background. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and colorful riding gear, focusing on maintaining speed and balance as they approach a turn.
A mountain biker navigates a rocky downhill trail during a race, surrounded by cheering spectators in a lush, green forest. The biker wears a helmet and protective gear, with a distinct jersey, as they maneuver through the challenging terrain. In the background, fans of varying ages watch intently, some recording the action with their phones.
A mountain biker in a blue and orange jersey rides up a dirt slope, surrounded by a crowd of spectators. Some onlookers are taking photos and videos, while others cheer from a raised area in the background. The scene captures the excitement and energy of a competitive biking event, set against a backdrop of lush greenery.
  2
A group of mountain bikers competes in a race on a grassy trail, with spectators cheering in the background. The focus is on a female cyclist wearing a blue and red jersey, navigating a corner on her bike as dust kicks up behind her. A red object in the foreground appears to be part of the scene, while a large yellow object is partially visible off to the side. The atmosphere is energetic and dynamic, capturing the excitement of the event.
A cyclist wearing a black jersey and helmet rides a red bike along a dirt path, smiling in the sunlight. In the background, there are rolling hills and a clear blue sky, creating a vibrant outdoor scene.
A cyclist stands next to a mountain bike on a rocky trail overlooking a vast mountainous landscape with distant peaks and a valley below. The sky is partly cloudy, highlighting the rugged terrain. The cyclist, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, poses confidently, dressed in a light jacket and biking gear.
A mountain biker in a helmet and red jacket navigating a rocky trail surrounded by trees and shrubs. In the background, there is a small sign for a racing shop and a dirt path with a textured surface.
  25
A mountain bike with a titanium frame is parked on a leaf-covered trail surrounded by lush greenery. The bike features chunky tires and a suspension fork, highlighting its off-road capabilities. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene outdoor atmosphere.
  1
A person holding a GoPro Hero 10 Black camera, which is mounted on a surface. The camera features a lens on the front, a power button, and the model name displayed in blue text. The hand appears slightly dirty, suggesting active use, and the background is blurred, focusing attention on the camera.
A cyclist in white racing attire leans into a turn on a dirt mountain bike trail, with a section of course tape visible in the foreground and a banner in the background. The scene captures the action and dynamics of competitive mountain biking.
  1
A mountain biker riding along a dirt trail in a dense pine forest, wearing a helmet and colorful attire. The bike is lifted slightly as the rider navigates a curve in the path, with tall trees and sunlight filtering through the foliage in the background.
A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a rocky dirt path surrounded by tall pine trees during sunset. The rider is wearing a helmet and cycling gear, showcasing a dynamic pose as he lifts the front wheel off the ground.
A mountain bike with a metallic frame, black saddle, and knobby tires is parked on a gravel path. The background features a wooden fence and green vegetation.
  6
A close-up image of a spider sitting in its web, suspended between a bicycle frame and a white cable. The spider has a slender body with distinctive markings, and its legs are extended outward. The background features blurred elements of the bike and outdoor setting.
  15
A person wearing a black t-shirt and helmet stands beside a mountain bike in a forested area. The bike has muddy tires, and the person is smiling, suggesting they have been riding. Surrounding them are green ferns and trees, creating a natural outdoor setting.
  2
A narrow forest trail winding between tall trees and large moss-covered rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and earthy soil. The scene captures the tranquility of nature, with textures of tree bark, rocky surfaces, and forest undergrowth.
  11
Close-up of a SRAM HS2 180mm bicycle brake disc, featuring a stainless steel surface with cutouts for weight reduction, set against a red gradient background.
A mountain bike rests on a rocky trail surrounded by tall pine trees, with a scenic view of distant mountains and a serene lake in the background against a colorful sunset sky. Downieville Downhill mountain bike trail.
  1
Close-up image of a helmet-mounted bike light, showing the light attachment on the top of a black helmet. The background is blurred, depicting a green, natural environment.
A black bicycle dropper seat post with a mounting clamp at the top, displayed against a light gray background. The post is cylindrical and features a sleek design, suitable for enhancing bike performance and comfort.
  1
A child in an orange shirt rides a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a lush green forest. In the foreground, an adult cyclist in a striped shirt and helmet is positioned slightly to the left, observing the child as they navigate a bend in the trail. The scene captures the excitement of biking in nature surrounded by trees and foliage.
Two mountain bikers navigating a curved wooden bridge on a trail surrounded by lush green trees and plants in a forested environment.
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by trees and shrubs, leaning into a turn while wearing a helmet and cycling gear. The bike features a blue and orange color scheme.
An illustration of a bicycle shop with a male technician working on a green bicycle on a repair stand. The background features various bike repair tools on a pegboard, while several bicycles hang nearby, some with tags marked "SOLD OUT" and one tagged "NOT FOR SALE." The environment is organized and showcases a variety of bicycles and tools.
  7
A person riding a fat bike on a snow-covered trail surrounded by evergreen trees, with a bright sky and scattered clouds in the background. The cyclist is wearing a red jacket and a helmet, focused on navigating the snowy terrain.
  3
A black bicycle saddle with a blue and white "Volt" logo, featuring textured strips for enhanced grip, resting on a wooden surface in a natural outdoor setting.
A male cyclist wearing a camouflaged jersey and sunglasses is intensely focused while racing on a mountain bike. The number "1402" is displayed prominently on his bike. He is in a grassy area with a blurred background suggesting a competitive outdoor setting.
  6
Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars, showcasing the grips, brake levers, and shifter, with a gray garage door in the background.
  12
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.
  1
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.