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 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.
  2
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.
  1
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.
  4
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.
  8
  1
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.
  1
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.
  1
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."
  2
A backpack with a divided interior showing neatly rolled clothing items in various colors, alongside a turquoise bicycle helmet. The compartments are organized, highlighting the practical use of space for storage.
  1
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.
  1
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.
  1
  1
  35
  3
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.
  2
  3
  6
  3
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.
  1
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.
  4
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.
  7
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.
  7
A cartoon illustration of a man in a red shirt and helmet holding a bicycle with a broken chain, talking to a woman in a pink top. The background features a green lawn and a brick wall. The man looks animated as he begins his explanation with the phrase, "I was just riding along when..."
  2
A child wearing a gray sweatshirt and shorts jumps off a dirt bump while riding a red and orange mountain bike in a backyard. In the background, there is a wooden play structure and a trampoline surrounded by lush green trees. The image captures a moment of excitement and movement in a sunny outdoor setting.
  9
A smiling individual wearing sunglasses and a black jacket with a logo stands in front of a promotional display for Vittoria, featuring cycling products and wheels. The background includes colorful tents and bicycles, indicating a cycling event.
A narrow dirt path winding through a lush forest, flanked by tall trees and a large moss-covered rock. The ground is rich with roots and ferns, creating a natural, serene atmosphere.
  12
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.
A partially opened tool pouch featuring a bright yellow interior with various tools and supplies organized inside. Items include a black marker, a small container, a bottle of sealant, and a bright orange tool, all resting on a bed of grass and leaves.
Three men stand together, smiling in a parking area with parked vehicles in the background. The man on the left wears a black shirt with green accents, the man in the center is in a red shirt, and the man on the right is dressed in a blue shirt with black lettering. The central figure wears a helmet, and their mountain bikes are visible on a rack behind them. The setting is sunny with clear blue skies and distant hills.
  5
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.
  2