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 in a red and blue jersey navigates a dirt trail during a downhill race, surrounded by lush greenery. Spectators in the background cheer and take photos as the rider maneuvers around obstacles marked by racing tape. The scene captures the excitement and energy of a biking competition.
  1
A black mountain bike is positioned on a grassy hillside, overlooking a scenic landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. The bike features a sleek frame and has both front and rear tires visible, showcasing its off-road capabilities.
  19
A close-up view of a gray glove with a textured palm, held up against a backdrop of green grass and vegetation. A bicycle wheel is slightly visible in the background.
  8
  1
  2
  7
  2
  4
Image of various mountain biking protective gear, including knee and elbow pads, a chest protector, and shorts. The title reads "Favorite MTB Protection" with a subtitle indicating it is from the Singletracks Readers’ Choice 2017. The gear features brands like POC, Fox Racing, and Race Face, presented in a visually organized layout.
  1
Close-up of a bicycle's crankset, chain, and motor, showcasing a dirty chain and components in black and white. The image highlights the Yamaha branding on the motor and the intricate details of the crank and gears.
  11
A sleek, modern black scooter designed for snowboarding, featuring a sturdy frame with handlebars and a comfortable seat. The base has a wide platform with rounded edges, and it is equipped with high-quality suspension for stability. The design highlights the brand name "RIPPROW" prominently displayed on the handlebars and the base.
  2
  6
  1
5 enduro mountain bikes put to the test
  7
A mountain bike with a sleek, vibrant design featuring a pink and black frame, equipped with high-performance tires, is leaning against a tree in a wooded area. The background includes greenery and scattered leaves, suggesting an outdoor setting suitable for cycling adventures.
A group of people wearing hard hats and carrying tools are walking through a forested area, participating in a trail maintenance campaign titled "Dig In." The image features the text "Dig In Campaign" prominently, along with the hashtag #mountainbiker.
Close-up of a Yamaha control panel on a bicycle handlebar, featuring buttons for power, speed adjustment, and a selector switch, with textured grips and cables visible.
  33
A yellow sign attached to a tree in a forest area, prominently displaying the words "WRONG WAY" in large black letters. The background features a winding dirt path surrounded by greenery and trees, indicating a hiking trail or outdoor area.
  10
A row of yellow gardening tools with flat and forked heads, partially embedded in the ground, surrounded by green foliage and dirt.
  3
A mountain biker rides through a forest trail at night, illuminated by a headlamp. The cyclist is in motion, with one wheel lifted off the ground, surrounded by fallen leaves and scattered branches on the ground. The dark background of the forest is contrasted by the light from the headlamp and the glowing leaves, creating a dynamic nighttime scene.
  23
Top 10 Enduro All-Mountain Bikes 2017
  3
A collection of various bicycle tools hanging on a white pegboard, including a pair of wire cutters, a chain whip, a multi-tool, and an adjustable wrench, alongside a keychain featuring a bicycle silhouette and "Pisgah National Forest" engraved on it.
  1
  2
  4
A stylized graphic featuring the text "FIVE 2 RIDE CINCINNATI" overlaying a black and white image of a forested biking trail, with a bike positioned to the right. A location pin graphic in red emphasizes the "2." The overall theme suggests biking and outdoor adventure in Cincinnati.
  4
Alt text: "A black cycling boot cover labeled 'Endura MT500' featuring a high ankle design and a textured sole for grip, ideal for keeping feet warm and protected during biking."
  1
  10
  2
A blue bicycle saddle mounted on a Kinekt post with visible suspension features, alongside a box labeled "BODYFLOAT KINEKT POST," showcasing its body isolation technology. The background is black with a handwritten note partially visible.
A black and blue mountain bike is positioned on rocky terrain with a scenic view of a lake and mountains in the background. The bike features thick tires suited for off-road riding and is angled slightly to showcase its frame and components. The sky is clear with some distant hills visible.
Assorted bike valve components, including a valve body with an orange ring, metal and rubber washers, black plastic caps, and other small fittings scattered on a white background.
A red mountain bike leaning against a rustic log wall, with large tires and a prominent suspension system, showcasing its rugged design. The setting emphasizes outdoor adventure and cycling.
  2
  6
  7
  8
  4