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
 
Image of a blue mountain bike positioned on grass near a tree. The bicycle features thick tires, a prominent suspension system, and is set against a backdrop of trees and a dirt path.
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A cyclist in a yellow and black outfit navigates a grassy and uneven terrain, marked by red and white tape, on a mountain bike. The background features sparse vegetation and a dirt path.
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A black and yellow mountain bike is positioned on lush green grass, surrounded by trees. The bike features thick, knobby tires and a modern design, showcasing its capabilities for off-road cycling.
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A mountain biker standing at the edge of a rocky cliff, holding their bike above their head. In the background, steam and smoke rise from the geothermal landscape, creating a dramatic and adventurous scene.
A mountain biker navigates a rocky trail surrounded by greenery, wearing a helmet and gloves, and focused on the path ahead. An icon representing sound or live broadcasting is overlaid in the center of the image.
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A group of mountain bikers navigating a dirt track during a cycling event titled "Hump or Jump." The riders, wearing colorful helmets and jerseys, are seen executing jumps on the course with spectators observing in the background. A banner overhead promotes a water solutions company. Trees and a street are visible in the surroundings.
A scenic mountain landscape featuring a dirt path winding through a field of wildflowers, surrounded by lush green hills and towering trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Two cyclists riding on a rocky terrain with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The image features text highlighting a challenging journey: "Over 17,000 Feet, Across 330 Kilometers, All in 4 Days." The overall tone conveys a sense of adventure and exploration.
Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring a textured black grip and a blue hydraulic brake lever. The handlebar also shows additional components, including a gear shifter with a marked scale. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the details of the bike's controls.
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A person in a black helmet and athletic clothing is bending down next to a mountain bike on a dirt path surrounded by tall grass, with a body of water visible in the background. The scene suggests an outdoor cycling activity.
A close-up of a brown and white sign indicating that bicycles are not allowed on the path. The sign features a bicycle icon crossed out with a red line. In the background, a wooded area with fallen leaves can be seen, along with another sign on a post further down the trail.
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A close-up image of a black bicycle frame bag, labeled "Rock Bar," securely attached to the front fork of a mountain bike. The bag is designed to hold items like snacks or tools and features adjustable straps for a snug fit. The background includes visible bike components, such as the disc brake and tire.
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A metal mold with a cylindrical black core positioned on a wooden workbench. It features side handles for lifting and several mounting holes along its surface. In the background, a red machine and a blue cloth are visible. The floor has a textured finish.
Scenic view of a calm lake surrounded by green and autumn-colored hills under a pastel pink and blue sky, reflecting in the water. A partially visible tree branch with leaves frames the top of the image.
Close-up image of a foot pump designed for bicycles, with a foot resting on the pump. The background features part of a bicycle tire. The image includes a brand logo and the tagline "Footpump - Compact and Efficient."
A portable electronic device on a stone surface, accompanied by two lithium rechargeable batteries and a remote control, with green grass and foliage in the background.
A camouflage trail camera mounted on a tree trunk in a wooded area with fallen leaves and underbrush in the background.
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A group of mountain bikers on a dirt trail, with some participants sitting on rocks while others prepare to ride. One rider is in motion, descending a slope. The scene is set in a sunny outdoor environment with dry grass and sparse vegetation in the background.
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A scenic desert landscape at sunset, featuring a cholla cactus and other desert vegetation in the foreground, with a mountain bike leaning on the ground. The sky showcases vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple as the sun sets behind distant mountains.
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A bright red mountain bike positioned on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage, with sunlit trees in the background.
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A mountain biker jumps off a rocky ledge while descending a dirt track. In the background, a group of spectators sits atop a large rock, watching the action. The scene is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a cloudy sky. Orange markers line the track, indicating the course.
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Signpost in a wooded area displaying various trail regulations, including prohibited activities for bicycles and ATVs, along with directional and difficulty information. Surrounding trees are bare, indicating a cooler season.
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Two cyclists ride on a dirt path through a scenic landscape featuring rolling hills and distant mountains. The sky is bright blue with fluffy white clouds scattered throughout. The cyclists are equipped with helmets and bags on their bikes, enjoying a sunny outdoor adventure.
Two mountain bikers riding along a dirt path through a scenic landscape with mountains and a lake in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A flat lay arrangement of eight pairs of shorts in various colors and styles, displayed on green grass. The shorts include a mix of black, gray, and blue fabrics, showcasing different designs suitable for outdoor activities.
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A blue mountain bike with green accents is positioned on a dirt surface. It features a prominent front suspension fork and thick Maxxis tires. In the background, there are additional bikes and a blue fence, indicating a cycling event or demonstration area.
Close-up view of a wooden bicycle frame showcasing its unique organic design and texture, with a focus on the intricate grain pattern and a black tire partially visible in the foreground.
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A close-up view of a bright green bicycle tire with a black label featuring the text "Vittoria AIRLINER." The background shows a grassy area with various bicycles and people in the distance, suggesting an outdoor cycling event or expo.
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A mountain bike with a light-colored frame and thick, textured tires is parked on a winding dirt trail surrounded by tall trees. A small puddle reflects the bike, and the setting appears misty and tranquil.
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Close-up of a bicycle frame showcasing intricately welded joints, highlighting the metallic texture and design details. The image captures part of the bike's structure with visible cable routing and branding elements in a blurred background.
Close-up view of a black bicycle frame featuring the word "LOWSIDE" prominently displayed, with a purple bicycle partially in the background. The image captures the texture of the frames and part of the tire tread.
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Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub featuring a black, spoked wheel. The hub has a central gear fitting and is set against a vibrant green geometric patterned background.
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A scenic view of a lush green valley surrounded by towering mountains under a clear blue sky. A winding dirt path leads through the grassy terrain, while patches of trees and vibrant foliage fill the landscape, creating a serene and picturesque outdoor setting. Trail 401 mountain bike trail.
Close-up of a muddy bicycle tire in the foreground, with a blurred vineyard path and lush green grapevines visible in the background under a blue sky.
A young person in a black hoodie and bright yellow shorts performs an airborne trick on a blue mountain bike, soaring over a pile of logs in a forest setting with bare trees.
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A mountain biker in a bright green helmet and jersey descends a rocky ledge, surrounded by lush green trees and mountains in the background. The rider is focused on navigating the terrain, illustrating the thrill of outdoor biking.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike's rear suspension system, showcasing a shock absorber mounted on a sleek carbon frame. The frame features a black finish with blue accents, and the background is dark, emphasizing the bike's design details.
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A mountain biker in protective gear rides down a set of stairs, navigating a challenging course during a competition. A crowd of spectators watches from the sides, capturing the action on their phones. The scene is set in an urban environment, with buildings and greenery in the background.
A sleek, modern mountain bike with a metallic silver frame, featuring wide tires labeled "Bontrager" and "Barbegazi." The bike includes a prominent gear system with a golden cassette and black pedals, showcasing its sturdy design for off-road terrain. The handlebar is equipped with ergonomic grips, and the bike is set against a plain white background.
Metal bicycle crankset with two elongated arms connected to a central spindle, set against a dark background.
A cyclist in a green jersey rides along a dirt path surrounded by trees in a sunny, wooded area. Another cyclist is visible in the distance. An icon representing sound or communication overlays the image.
A hand wearing a black glove holds a brightly colored blue spray can with yellow text that reads "GUP." The background is in grayscale, emphasizing the vividness of the can.
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A close-up view of a cyclist's hand wearing a black Sugoi glove, grasping the handlebar of a mountain bike. The background features a dirt path with green grass and small leaves, suggesting a natural outdoor setting. A water bottle is visible on the bike frame.
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A close-up shot of a mountain bike maneuvering through a muddy trail in a forest, with water splashing up from the rear wheel. The bike features bright orange and teal colors, and the background showcases lush greenery and tall trees, highlighting the rugged outdoor environment.
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Image of a RockShox fork, showcasing three different angles. The fork features a sleek black design with visible suspension components and branding details. Each view highlights the structural design, including the crown, stanchions, and lower legs, designed for mountain biking performance.
Close-up image of a mountain bike handlebar featuring textured grips and a RockShox suspension control lever, with cables visibly connected to the brake system. The background is softly blurred.
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Image of the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 suspension fork, showcasing its sleek black design with prominent branding in red and white. The image highlights key features such as the adjustable lever and air spring interface.