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 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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A mountain biker navigating a rocky path near a stream, surrounded by lush greenery. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and protective gear, carefully balancing the bicycle as they cross over the stones.
A collection of various beer bottles and cans arranged on a table, with a window in the background showcasing an outdoor view. The assortment includes both dark bottles and colorful cans from different breweries, featuring labels such as "Moonlight Drive," "Ten Fidy," and "Black Mocha Stout." A potted plant is visible in the corner, adding a touch of green to the scene.
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A close-up image of two bike lights: one is a rear light with a red lens and a mounting bracket, while the other is a front light featuring a clear lens and a cylindrical design with a black body. Both lights are designed for safety and visibility while cycling.
A wooden cabin surrounded by trees, featuring green shutters and a small porch with stairs. A mountain bike is parked next to the cabin, which is situated in a natural, wooded setting with fallen leaves on the ground.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt track, leaning into a turn with a background of green trees and blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet and sunglasses, dressed in a sleeveless shirt and shorts. The scene captures the thrill and action of mountain biking in an outdoor setting.
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A cyclist in a blue shirt and shorts rides on a dirt path towards a wooden sign that reads "Griffin Bike Park - Basic Training Skills Park." Beside the path, there is a digital timer showing 6:01, and a memorial sign featuring a photograph of a soldier. The area is surrounded by trees, indicating a natural outdoor setting.
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A bottle of mountain bike lubricant lying on a reflective surface with a small puddle of oil beside it. The text "10 Best MTB Lubes" is displayed prominently in the lower section of the image.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a Bryton Rider 330 cycling computer. The device displays speed and distance metrics, showcasing its digital screen and control buttons against the background of a blurred natural setting.
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A close-up image showing a white and black helmet with a light on top, positioned on the ground surrounded by pine needles and greenery. Next to the helmet is a charging device connected by a black cable. The scene is dimly lit, highlighting the helmet and the charging device.
A collection of GPS devices arranged in a circular formation on a bed of dried leaves. The devices include models from Garmin, eTrex, and Magellan. A circular signal icon is overlaid in the center of the image.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike frame, featuring a sleek design with a dark finish and blue accents. The background is a natural setting with soft focus showing trees and fallen leaves. In the center, a symbol indicating connectivity or signal is overlaid, suggesting potential smart features of the bike.
A cyclist in a black helmet and sunglasses rides a mountain bike on a dirt trail. The rider is leaning into a turn, wearing a colorful tank top and beige shorts, with a background of green grass and trees under a blue sky.
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A smiling person with long hair and a cap holds a drone remote control on the beach at sunset. The drone hovers in front of them with its lights on, while two people sit in the background, enjoying the beach atmosphere. The ocean waves can be seen in the distance, illuminated by the warm golden sunlight.
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A collage of three mountain bikers in action. The first image features a rider jumping over a rugged trail. The second shows a cyclist navigating a forest path, wearing a red and black jersey. The third captures another biker maneuvering down a set of steps on a grassy terrain, wearing a blue and orange outfit with a number plate.
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A panoramic view of a vibrant outdoor event featuring numerous vendor tents and flags, showcasing various cycling brands. The scene includes colorful tents, displayed bicycles, and attendees walking around, all under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
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A cyclist riding on a dirt trail through a rural landscape with sparse vegetation, set against a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. In the background, another cyclist can be seen in the distance. A graphic symbol representing sound or broadcasting is overlayed in the center of the image.
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best beginner mountain bike trails
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Three mountain bikes displayed side by side. The first bike on the left features a black frame labeled "Kraken-Wagen" and a Rogue suspension fork. The middle bike has a dark gray frame, a front bag, and thick tires. The bike on the right is also black with prominent branding on the wheels and front fork. All bikes are showcased on a neutral background in a trade show setting.
Close-up images of a bicycle's mechanical components, featuring the rear hub and gearing system. The images show intricate details of the gears and shifters, including the control lever on the handlebars and a gear adjustment mechanism. The background consists of a rocky terrain, highlighting the bike's outdoor setting.
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Close-up of an orange bicycle frame with a distinctive black mesh design, set against a blurred background of a trade show or exhibition, featuring two out-of-focus individuals and another bicycle in gold.
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