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 group of young cyclists in colorful jerseys and helmets sprinting off the start line during a mountain biking race. A photographer captures the action in the background, while spectators cheer them on. The scene is set in a grassy area with trees in the background under a clear sky.
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A colorful graphic featuring layered mountains in shades of green, yellow, red, and white, with a stylized logo of Mulberry Gap in the lower left corner. The design includes intricate patterns resembling topographic maps amidst the mountain silhouettes.
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A cluster of white blooms with delicate, ruffled petals and hints of pink markings, surrounded by green foliage in a natural setting.
Concept plan for Quarry Lake Park, illustrating features such as a lake, picnic areas, fishing pier, canoe and kayak launch, obstacle course, mountain bike trails, and future pedestrian bridge. The layout emphasizes recreational spaces and natural surroundings.
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A narrow dirt path winding through tall green grass and wild vegetation, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
A scenic mountain landscape featuring a winding dirt path through lush green meadows and scattered wildflowers. In the background, rolling hills rise toward a blue sky with a few clouds, while dense evergreen trees line the lower slopes, creating a tranquil and picturesque outdoor setting.
A man wearing a black helmet and sleeveless shirt is sitting on the ground in a grassy outdoor area, holding a green water bottle. He appears to be taking a break from biking, with tall grass and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
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Women Mountain Biking Powderhorn Yeti
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Cartoon of a man on a bicycle wearing a helmet. A camera is mounted on a long arm above him, capturing footage as he rides along a dirt trail surrounded by mountains and trees. The caption reads, "Finally, my helmet cam footage won't be shaky!"
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A mountain biker riding along a narrow dirt trail beside a calm, green lake, with dense trees and a hillside in the background under a clear blue sky.
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Close-up view of the handlebars and frame of a bright orange mountain bike, set against a natural backdrop of green foliage and a dirt path in a forested area. The bike features various components, including the stem, brake levers, and cable routing.
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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.
A dirt hiking trail winding through a forest, surrounded by trees and rocky outcrops. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
A sleek, red mountain bike featuring a lightweight frame, prominently displaying the "S-WORKS" logo. It is positioned on a textured, earthy surface against a dark background, highlighting its design and features, including knobby tires and a suspension fork.
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A close-up view of a sleek, black bicycle rim, showcasing its smooth curves and polished finish. The rim features multiple parallel grooves, emphasizing its design and structure. The background is plain and white, highlighting the rim's sleek appearance.
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 detailed topographic map featuring the La Sal Mountains, displaying contour lines, elevation markings, and geographical labels. The map includes trails, roads, and locations within the surrounding area, emphasizing the mountainous terrain and natural features.
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