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 two bicycle front forks, one in vibrant orange and yellow colors and the other in black and gray. Both forks are designed for mountain biking, featuring gold stanchions and branded with "FOX" and "Factory Series" labels. The orange fork is on the left, while the black fork is positioned on the right.
Close-up view of a Cane Creek bicycle fork, featuring the brand's logo prominently displayed in gold on the gray component. The background is black, emphasizing the details of the fork and its materials.
A man riding a fat bike on a snowy trail, dressed in a blue and gray cycling jacket, sunglasses, and a black hat. Surrounding him are snow-covered trees, creating a winter landscape.
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Mountain bike positioned on rocky terrain with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky. The bike features a green frame with a yellow accent, thick tires, and a front fork designed for off-road riding.
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A modern house perched on a hillside, surrounded by trees, with a spacious wooden deck and bright orange roof, bathed in warm sunlight.
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A street view of a small town featuring a row of historic buildings with storefronts. Some businesses have awnings, and several cars are parked along the road. The sky is partly cloudy, and a graphic symbol representing wireless communication is overlaid in the center.
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A close-up view of a mountain bike front suspension fork, showcasing the shiny silver stanchions and black lower legs with mounting hardware against a black background.
Two bicycle wheels with black rims and spokes, positioned side by side on a white background. The wheels feature a sleek design with a subtle graphic pattern.
A gray snapback cap displayed on green foliage, featuring the word "BRUTA" in bold letters on the front alongside a mountain silhouette design. A sticker on the brim indicates it is part of "The Classics" collection.
A wooden post with a green trail marker sign indicating the trail's designation as an "Epic" route by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA), set against a blurred background of colorful autumn foliage.
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A cyclist riding along a dirt path through a grassy field, with mountains in the background. A cow is grazing in the foreground. The image includes a translucent graphic symbol, resembling a sound icon, overlaid in the center.
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A group of people sitting around a table in a casual dining setting, engaged in conversation. Empty plates, cups, and drinks are scattered across the table, hinting at a shared meal. The atmosphere appears lively and social, with warm lighting and a backdrop of framed pictures on the walls.
A picturesque view of a small mountain town, featuring brick buildings with striped awnings, parked vintage cars, and lush greenery in the foreground. In the background, towering snow-capped mountains rise against a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
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A historical black-and-white photograph of a group of men riding bicycles in a rural landscape, with mountains in the background. Each cyclist carries a rolled bundle on their bike. A graphic symbol resembling a broadcast indicator is overlaid in the center of the image.
A monochrome image of a person riding a mountain bike on a wooded trail, with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE" and "SUMTER NF" prominently displayed. The background features tall trees and scattered leaves, emphasizing an outdoor biking adventure.
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A mountain biker rides along a twisting dirt trail in a lush green forest, surrounded by blooming wildflowers. The image promotes the BRUTAL event taking place from March 31 to April 1, 2018, organized by Mulberry Gap and Singlettracks, with a call to action to register.
A sign prohibiting the use of electric bicycles, featuring a graphic of a cyclist on a bike with an electric symbol and a red diagonal line crossing through it. The sign is mounted on a wooden surface with a blurred natural background.
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Close-up view of a bicycle's gear assembly and frame, highlighting the metallic components and a chainring, with an overlay icon symbolizing connectivity or wireless communication.
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A modern mountain bike with a vibrant red and black color scheme, featuring thick tires and a sturdy frame. The bike stands on gravel, with various other bikes visible in the background.
Image showing the available color options and sizes for the Spectral AL 6.0 mountain bike, priced at $2,399. Two color options are displayed: "Stealth" in black and "Hellfire Red." Size availability includes extra small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), and extra large (XL), with some sizes marked as "coming soon" and others "from stock."
A mountain biker in athletic gear jumps off a dirt path surrounded by tall grass and trees under a clear blue sky.
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A red and black bicycle saddle with a sleek design, featuring visible carbon fiber texture and the markings "RXYL" and "Carbon Pro SL." The saddle is positioned on a textured, light-colored surface.
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A blue and green mountain bike is positioned on a bed of autumn leaves, surrounded by trees and foliage. The bike features a sturdy frame, thick tires labeled with “Maxxis” and “Minion DHR,” and a suspension system, indicating its suitability for off-road trails.
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A mountain biker rides along a narrow, leafy trail in a forest, surrounded by greenery and blooming purple flowers in the foreground.
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A close-up image of a bicycle frame featuring a unique logo. The logo depicts a stylized crocodile riding a bicycle, rendered in a shiny green color against a matte gray background.
A mountain biker is standing on a grassy hill, overlooking a scenic landscape of rolling green hills and distant mountains under a clear sky. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and sporting biking gear, with their bike positioned beside them.
A person riding a green mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by grassy fields under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing a red vest, black shorts, gloves, and sunglasses, focused on navigating the terrain.
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A person performing a wheelie on a mountain bike in front of a colorful mural featuring blue abstract designs. The individual has short hair and a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans, with a focused expression. The bike has a camouflage bag attached to its frame.
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Close-up of a bike's dropper seat post featuring the Fox logo, positioned against a blurred background of trees and leaves. The post is marked with a scale labeled "T R A N," indicating height adjustments, and is mounted to a blue and green mountain bike frame.
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A person with short, styled hair and visible tattoos stands with their arms crossed in a bicycle shop. The background features various biking gear, including helmets, gloves, and other accessories, arranged on wooden shelves. The atmosphere is casual and focused on cycling.
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A person standing next to a mountain bike on a sunny day, with a rustic, corrugated metal wall and a brown door in the background. The individual is wearing a dark t-shirt and a cap, smiling as they hold the bike's handlebars.
A mountain biker pushes their bike uphill on a rocky trail, surrounded by lush green mountains and a clear blue sky in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and sporty clothes, showcasing the rugged terrain of the biking trail.
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A mountain biker performs an airborne trick while jumping off a ramp in a forested area. The rider is wearing bright orange gear, including a helmet, and is captured mid-air with the bike's front wheel lifted. Tall evergreen trees create a natural backdrop, highlighting the outdoor adventure.
A cyclist wearing a black and orange cycling jersey and a green helmet competes in a mountain biking event in a wintery forest setting. The cyclist is focused and determined, riding a green bike with a number plate marked '89.' Trees are visible in the background, with some patches of snow on the ground.
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A close-up view of two metal bike chains laid over a wooden surface with a measuring tape in the background. The chains exhibit a shiny, metallic finish, and the measuring tape shows measurements in inches.
A cyclist riding along a wooden pump track in a wooded area, surrounded by trees. The track features a curved wall, allowing the rider to gain speed and perform tricks.
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A panoramic view of rolling green mountains under a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The foreground features a mix of lush green trees and some barren branches, while the landscape fades into the distant mountains, creating a serene and tranquil natural scene.
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How to Build a Cheap Multi Bike Storage Rack
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A close-up view of a mountain bike's rear suspension system, showcasing the complex interplay between the frame and shock absorber. The frame features a blend of black and vibrant pink colors, with visible components such as the chain, gears, and part of the tire in focus. The background consists of natural foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A person measuring the height of a mountain bike with a measuring tape. The bike is leaning against a corrugated metal wall, and the individual is dressed in casual clothing, including a jacket and jeans.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a mounted front light, with a blurred natural background of warm colors and soft bokeh effects.
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A black cap with a blue geometric logo rests on a dark surface next to a microphone. The background features a light-colored wall.
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A smiling truck driver sitting in the cab of a large, dark-colored truck. The reflection in the side mirror shows part of the truck's exterior and surroundings. The sky is overcast, adding a gray backdrop to the scene.
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Close-up image of the crankset and chain of a mountain bike, showcasing the black and teal frame, chainrings, and chain. The background features a natural setting with leaves and stones, indicating an outdoor environment.
A close-up image of a person riding a mountain bike, focusing on their hands gripping the handlebars. The cyclist is wearing a bright blue jacket and black pants, with protective gear on their knees. The bike features a vibrant orange frame, and the background shows trees, indicating a forested trail.
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A mountain bike with a sleek gray frame and vibrant green accents, positioned on a bed of leaves in a forested area. The bike features thick tires designed for rugged terrain and is equipped with a front suspension fork. In the background, tall trees and underbrush create a natural setting.
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most expensive xc mountain bike
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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.
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