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
 
Craig Calfee in a workshop holds a blue bicycle frame prominently labeled "Lemond." The background features various boxes and tools, indicating a manufacturing or assembly area. The individual is wearing glasses and a dark shirt, with work materials visible on a table nearby.
Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail in a scenic landscape. One cyclist is performing a wheelie while crossing a stream, with splashes of water visible. The background features lush green hills under a blue sky with some clouds. The environment appears vibrant and outdoor-oriented, highlighting an adventurous moment in mountain biking.
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A black SUV parked on a gravel surface with a rooftop tent extended. Two mountain bikes are securely mounted on the back of the vehicle, surrounded by a natural landscape featuring trees with autumn foliage.
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A train carrying large ramps for BMX biking, with a rider performing a stunt atop one of the ramps in a grassy, open landscape. The scene features a blue train locomotive with branding and a vibrant blue sky in the background.
Close-up of a blue bicycle frame showing the suspension system and a sticker with the text "ARI." The background features a sandy surface, emphasizing the outdoor setting.
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Close-up view of a bicycle's rear chain and crank area, showcasing a partially obscured bike frame, visible chain links, and a tire in the background. The image highlights details of the bike's mechanics and design.
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Close-up of an orange bicycle handle grip attached to the handlebars, with a blurred green background.
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A close-up image of a copper-colored plumbing connector resting on a wooden surface, showcasing its detailed texture and design.
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A camping scene featuring a blue tent, a pair of black gloves, a dark green waist bag, a man's shorts, and sneakers, all set against a bright yellow background.
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A mountain biker ascending a rocky trail surrounded by trees, wearing a black cycling outfit, helmet, and sunglasses, with sunlight filtering through the foliage.
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Charging dock with two battery slots, surrounded by various cables, a USB connector, and two packs of coin batteries on a white surface.
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A yellow mountain bike with wide tires and a modern design, accompanied by a pair of gray cycling shoes, a set of black bike wheels, and a blue and black CamelBak hydration backpack. The background features a gradient sky transitioning from teal to orange, suggesting an outdoor setting.
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear drivetrain components, featuring a green bike frame, a cassette with multiple gears, and a derailleur showcasing intricate mechanics against a dark background.
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A black electric mountain bike positioned on a forest floor, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. The bike features robust tires and a modern design, showcasing its suitability for off-road adventures.
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Signpost indicating hiking trail directions in a forested area. The sign displays three trails: "Wild Turkey Trail" (2.9 miles), "Ponderosa Loop," and "To Wapiti Trail." Surrounding the sign are green grasses and trees, contributing to a natural outdoor setting.
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Close-up of an orange bicycle handlebar grip, featuring a textured surface for improved handling. The image also shows a part of the brake lever and a simple clamp. The background is composed of soft-focus greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
Close-up of a mountain bike's drivetrain, showcasing the gear cassette, chain, and portion of the frame. The image highlights a black D1x Trail component attached to the bike, set against a blurred green background of foliage.
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An assortment of bike tire repair kits and tools displayed on a wooden surface. Items include a tubeless tackle kit, a puncture repair kit, and various puncture plugs from brands like Muc-Off and Stan's. The collection showcases tools for removing valve cores and repairing punctures, designed for maintaining tubeless tire setups.
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A mountain biker leans into a turn on a rocky trail in a forest, showcasing agility and control. The cyclist wears a helmet and protective gear, and the bike is green with rugged tires, navigating the uneven terrain surrounded by tall trees and lush foliage.
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A close-up image of metallic bike components resting on a bed of green moss, featuring detailed textures and distinct circular cutouts. The sunlight highlights the reflective surfaces of the parts, showcasing their intricate designs against the vibrant natural background.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over a canyon with rugged cliffs in the background under a clear blue sky.
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A purple mountain bike with a sleek design is positioned on a forest floor covered in pine needles, surrounded by trees. The bike features prominent suspension, wide tires, and a modern frame, highlighting its suitability for trails and rugged terrain.
A mountain biker in a blue jersey and helmet navigates a dirt trail surrounded by trees, leaning into a turn with one foot raised. The background features a scenic view of hills and a cloudy sky. Spectators can be seen near a banner on the right side.
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A close-up view of a modern mountain bike made from aluminum, featuring a sleek gray frame, Maxxis tires, and a detailed drivetrain. To the left, there is an illustration displaying the chemical element symbol "AI" for Aluminum, along with its atomic number (13) and atomic weight (26.9815385), all set against a gradient green background.
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Close-up view of a textured black tire tread, featuring distinct patterns and grooves, set against a dark background.
A smiling person wearing a black cap and sunglasses, standing outdoors with a blurred landscape in the background. The scene appears to be during dusk, with soft colors in the sky.
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A cyclist in casual attire rides a mountain bike on a rugged outdoor trail, with a blurred background suggesting speed and movement. The scene captures the dynamic action of biking through a scenic landscape.
Close-up of a mountain bike's drivetrain, focusing on the derailleur and chainring. The bike features a light blue frame with some dirt smudges, indicating off-road use. The derailleur is partially visible, showcasing mechanical components and the chain.
A cyclist navigating a rocky trail, lifting their mountain bike over boulders while surrounded by dry grass and rugged terrain under a clear sky.
A pair of gray cycling shorts with a sleek design, featuring an adjustable waistband and perforated detailing on the side for breathability, set against a light green background.
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