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 black bicycle chainring with multiple teeth and cutouts, displayed against a light green background.
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Mountain bike parked on a bed of autumn leaves near a creek, with trees in the background. The bike features a sleek white frame, black front fork, and wide tires designed for rugged terrain.
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A blue mountain bike with black and brown tires sits on green grass in a natural landscape, surrounded by trees and tall grass under an overcast sky.
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A mountain biker wearing a helmet and protective gear stands beside his bike on a wooded trail, surrounded by tall trees and lush green foliage. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a dappled light effect on the forest floor.
A wooden post with two directional signs for the Hatchery Creek Trail. The top sign features a white bicycle icon on a blue background, indicating a bike trail, while the bottom sign clearly states "Hatchery Creek Trail" with arrows pointing straight ahead. Surrounding the signs, there are trees with colorful autumn leaves and a natural, winding path leading into the woods.
A person wearing a red jacket and a helmet sits on a rock, overlooking a vast, rugged landscape of hills and valleys under a cloudy sky. The individual is facing away from the camera, with a backpack beside them, suggesting a moment of reflection in a natural setting.
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Stone entrance sign for Pisgah National Forest, surrounded by lush green foliage. The sign features the words "PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST" prominently displayed.
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Two people are working on a trail in a forested area, using shovels and other tools to maintain the path. One person, wearing a cap and a long-sleeve shirt, is smiling as they dig into the ground, while the other person is in the background, also engaged in trail work. The scene features lush greenery and trees, emphasizing an outdoor, community-driven effort. Logos for the California Mountain Biking Coalition and several sponsors are displayed prominently in the image.
A cartoon depicting a mountain biker riding on a muddy trail with puddles, despite a sign in the background stating, "Trails closed when wet." Below the image, the text reads, "Party foul." The scene is set against a backdrop of mountains and trees, highlighting the outdoors.
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A mountain biker in a red and yellow jersey navigates a grassy trail surrounded by tall plants, with misty mountains in the background. A second cyclist can be seen in the distance, creating a dynamic scene of outdoor adventure.
A mountain biker riding along a dirt trail in a wooded area, surrounded by tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves. The path is slightly elevated with a gentle incline and a few rocks, showcasing a scenic outdoor environment. South Rockdale Community Park mountain bike trail.
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Alt text: An event flyer for the Freedom Trail ribbon cutting ceremony at Griffin Bike Park in Terre Haute, Indiana, featuring a mountain biker graphic, event details, and the name of special guest Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch. The event is scheduled for October 17, 2020, at 11 a.m. and encourages social distancing and mask usage.
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A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. The rider is airborne, showcasing an impressive trick while dressed in protective gear.
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A single pair of beige outdoor sneakers laid on rocky terrain, showcasing textured leather and mesh materials, with a lace-up design and a prominent rubber sole. Small patches of grass and various stones are visible around the shoe.
Two children sitting in a workshop, smiling and engaged in repairing bicycle tires. The boy on the left is holding a bicycle tire, while the girl on the right is also holding a tire, showcasing their enthusiasm for bike maintenance. The background features various bicycle tools and accessories.
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Two cartoon cyclists ride along a winding dirt path in a mountainous landscape. The first cyclist wears a yellow shirt with a backpack, while the second wears a red shirt and a helmet. Above them is a blue sky with a few clouds. At the bottom of the image, a humorous caption reads, "This was a quick one. It only took 10 years from concept to approval."
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Close-up of a bicycle's rear wheel and disc brake, featuring a shiny silver shock absorber labeled "pull shock world champion." In the foreground, there are delicate white flowers and green leaves, surrounded by a natural, earthy background.
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A bright orange fat bike with wide tires, a sleek frame, and a single-speed drivetrain, displayed against a neutral gray background.
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A cartoon scene depicting two adults with mountain bikes standing on a dirt path, watching a child in a yellow shirt performing a wheelie in the air on a bike. The background features rolling hills, trees, and a blue sky with clouds. The caption reads, "My kid is teaching me how to wheelie."
Close-up view of a mountain bike's rear wheel, showcasing the tire tread, mud guard, and a portion of the bike's red frame. Raindrops are visible on the mud guard and frame, suggesting wet conditions. The background is blurred, emphasizing the bike components.
A green sign labeled "TRAIL HEAD" stands among lush green foliage and trees, indicating the entrance to a hiking trail.
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A cartoon depicting four mountain bikers on a trail, surrounded by trees and mountains. One biker, wearing a yellow and black striped shirt, looks at his watch as he prepares to ride. The others are patiently waiting on their bikes. A humorous speech bubble from the striped biker reads, "Ready to roll in a minute, I just need to wait for my GPS, seatpost, derailleur, earbuds and pump to charge up."
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A close-up of the soles of two sneakers resting on a wooden surface, surrounded by greenery. The sneakers are primarily gray with blue laces and feature a honeycomb-patterned sole. A child's leg, partially visible, is wearing a blue sock.
A mountain biker riding a red bike on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and ferns, wearing a helmet and sunglasses. The cyclist is in a crouched position, showcasing focus and agility as he navigates through the forested area.
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A close-up view of a black rubber strip resting on the ground, surrounded by green grass and earthy soil. The strip is slightly curved and textured, indicating it may be used as a protective or decorative element in landscaping or outdoor projects.
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A child with a raised hand sits in an audience, eagerly participating in a music performance on stage. Several musicians are seated in front of a decorated background, featuring colorful autumn leaves. The atmosphere is lively and engaging, with other children watching attentively.
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