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 cartoon illustration depicting six cyclists on a computer screen, each in a different mountain biking environment, showing diversity in their attire and surroundings. The title at the bottom reads "Socially distanced mountain biking." The scene humorously illustrates the concept of maintaining distance while enjoying outdoor activities.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike's rear suspension system showcasing a green bike frame, yellow shock absorber, and black tire. The image highlights the chain, crankset, and gear system against a blurred green background.
A variety of energy and protein bars arranged on a dark surface. The bars include brands such as Clif, Skratch Labs, RXBAR, and Redd. Each bar features distinctive packaging with colorful designs and flavor descriptions.
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A cartoon depicting a person riding a stationary bike while looking at a large monitor displaying a downhill racing scene. The character expresses doubt about the readiness for virtual downhill racing with the quote, "I don't think the world is ready for virtual downhill racing yet." The setting has a simple room with wooden flooring.
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Close-up of a Vittoria Mazza mountain bike tire showing its tread pattern and specifications, set against a lush green, forested background. The tire is labeled with "GRAPHENE 2.0" and dimensions "29 x 2.6," indicating it's designed for trail use. Mud and debris are visible, suggesting recent outdoor activity.
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A cartoon depicting two cartoon characters in a scenic outdoor setting. One character, wearing a red shirt and cap, is holding a broken bicycle wheel and commenting on its flexibility. The other character, dressed in a yellow shirt, stands next to a red bicycle, looking at the wheel with a puzzled expression. The background features green grass and mountains under a blue sky. A caption at the bottom reads, "Well, the new wheel is definitely more compliant."
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A broad view of a rocky hill under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The hill's surface is textured and features a path marked by white dots leading up towards the summit.
A person riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail surrounded by lush vegetation and rock formations, with a scenic view of water and distant mountains in the background. The cyclist is wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and a colorful jersey, focusing on navigating the trail.
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A person cycling on a rugged, gravel road surrounded by greenery and misty mountains. The cyclist is wearing a red jacket and is equipped with a backpack and gear on their bicycle. The scene reflects an adventurous outdoor activity in a remote, natural setting.
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A young child riding a small blue bicycle on a dirt path in a wooded area, wearing a colorful helmet. The background features trees and greenery, with sunlight filtering through, creating a warm, outdoor setting.
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Two mountain bike wheels leaning against a stone edge, showcasing their knobby tires and intricate gears. The background features a blurred natural setting with greenery, and the wheels reflect slightly in a shallow pool of water beside them.
A cartoon depicting two mountain bikers riding on a wooded trail. One cyclist, wearing a blue and yellow jersey and helmet, expresses a humorous thought about why no one has mountain biked on the moon yet. The other cyclist, wearing a red shirt, listens with a smirk. The background features vibrant green trees and a dirt path, enhancing the outdoor theme.
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Close-up of a mountain bike's front wheel, featuring a black fork with pink accents and a dirty frame. The wheel has bright pink spokes and a yellow brake rotor, set against a textured white stone background.
Two mountain bikers are competing on a dirt pump track, maneuvering over a series of bumps. One rider, dressed in red and black, is leaning forward as he pedals, while the other, in black, is airborne above a bump. The background features a park setting with trees and spectators observing the event.
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Two cartoon cyclists stand next to their bikes, looking surprised as a large concrete grinder hovers above a rocky terrain. The scene is lighthearted, with playful expressions on the cyclists' faces. The caption reads, "This is not the gravel grinder I was imagining." The background features a blue sky and green foliage.
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A close-up of a person's knee wearing protective padded cycling shorts, featuring a black and orange design. The background shows a natural, green forest setting with trees and foliage. The shorts have branding visible on them, indicating they are from the Pearl Izumi brand.
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