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
 
Blueprint illustration of an autonomous mountain bike, showcasing key features such as internal gyroscopes, powered drivetrain, handlebar-mounted smartphone controller, steering servos, and automatic braking system.
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A cyclist wearing a black and red outfit sits on a bridge beside a mountain bike. The bike features bright green rims and has a backpack attached to the front. In the background, lush green trees are visible under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain biker navigating a wooded trail, surrounded by greenery, with text overlay reading "FIVE 2 RIDE PENNSYLVANIA." The image emphasizes both the rider and the vibrant nature of the biking environment.
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A close-up view of a person wearing a black CamelBak hip pack, featuring orange accents, secured around the waist. In the background, a blue mountain bike is partially visible, surrounded by greenery. The individual's clothing includes a black shirt and camouflage-patterned shorts.
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A nighttime view from a hillside overlooking a city, illuminated by countless lights. In the foreground, there's a portion of a dirt path with grass and shrubs, and the seat of a bicycle is visible to the right, adding context to the scene.
A winding dirt trail through a lush green forest, marked by a wooden beam with a sign indicating "Expert" level difficulty for cyclists or hikers. Tall trees and dense foliage surround the path, creating a serene natural environment.
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A person wearing a helmet and a red vest is riding a mountain bike along a grassy trail by a calm pond, surrounded by bare trees and greenery under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
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A close-up profile of a brown bear displaying its thick, textured fur. The bear's head is turned slightly to the side, highlighting its distinctive features such as the rounded ears and prominent snout. The background is softly blurred, allowing the bear to stand out in the image.
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A blue mountain bike positioned on grass near a pond, showcasing large, rugged tires and a lightweight frame. The bike features a suspension system and is designed for off-road cycling. The background includes lush greenery and water, highlighting an outdoor setting.
A blue full face helmet with an open face design, featuring ventilation holes and the Fox Racing logo, positioned on a wooden surface. The text "RIDE. WIDE OPEN." is displayed prominently next to the helmet, highlighting its breathability and protective features. A blurred background includes various biking accessories and gear.
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A cyclist wearing a red long-sleeve shirt and a helmet rides along a dirt trail covered with fallen leaves in a wooded area.
Map showing a trail marked in red, depicting a winding path through Gillian Park, with nearby streets labeled. The trail features a spiral shape and meanders around grassy areas within the park.
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A hand is seen holding a knife, poised above a bicycle helmet that is emitting smoke. The helmet features a black and white design, with visible ventilation holes. The scene occurs on a flat surface with a gravel background, suggesting an experimental or destructive demonstration.
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Alt text: A cyclist riding on a wooded trail with bare trees, overlaid with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE NEW YORK" in a striking design featuring a location pin.
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A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and trees, with a graphic symbol indicating sound or broadcasting overlaid on the image.
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A close-up view of an outdoor map with a GPS watch and a smartphone displaying topographic information. The watch is positioned on the map, showing navigation options, while the smartphone features a detailed map interface with elevation profiles and a marker for the current location. A compass symbol is also visible on the map.
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A cyclist wearing a black and white striped jersey and gloves is holding a camera and taking a photo. In the background, there are trees and rocky terrain, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A mountain bike leaning against a dirt path surrounded by trees, with fallen leaves on the ground. The words "FIVE 2 RIDE ILLINOIS" are overlaid in bold letters, alongside a location marker icon. The image is predominantly in black and white, highlighting the natural setting.
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A bright green mountain bike is displayed in a scenic outdoor setting, with hills in the background. The bike is upright and has a sale tag attached, indicating a 45% discount. The foreground features tall grass and wildflowers, suggesting a vibrant and natural environment.
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What size mountain bike do I need
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Image of a mountain bike tire featuring a patterned tread design. The tire has a light beige-colored rubber surface and a black sidewall, designed for traction on various terrains. The graphic includes a blue corner label that reads "PSC COMPOUND." The background has a subtle, modern geometric pattern.
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A cyclist dressed in a colorful cycling outfit navigates through deep snow on a mountain bike, with a race number visible on the front. The surrounding landscape is covered in a layer of snow, creating a winter scene.
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Close-up view of a Shimano XTR bicycle brake lever mounted on a bike handlebar, with a textured grip and a portion of the bike frame visible in the background. The image features a natural outdoor setting with pine needles on the ground.
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A close-up image of a hand using a specialized tool to cut or adjust a mountain bike tire, showcasing the tire's textured rubber surface and the tool's detailed mechanism. The background features a blurred workshop setting, emphasizing a focus on bike maintenance.
A vast landscape featuring rocky terrain and distant cliffs under a clear blue sky, with a small figure standing on a hill in the foreground. The scene depicts the natural beauty of a desert environment, with patches of greenery scattered throughout.
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A bicycle frame lying on the ground among fallen leaves and pine needles, featuring a sleek black design with red accents. The frame includes a shock absorber, showcasing its design for mountain biking.
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