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 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.
  10
  1
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.
  1
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.
  1
  2
  23
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.
  1
  2
  1
A sleek black and red mountain bike rests against a textured dark surface, showcasing its modern design and high-performance features with a focus on the frame and wheels.
  1
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike tire resting on dirt and leaves, featuring visible brand markings "Stans" and "Macro 2.4 29." The tire's tread pattern is highlighted, showcasing its design for off-road cycling.
  2
Alt text: "A black bicycle rear derailleur positioned against a textured, crumpled white background. The component features intricate mechanical details and a sleek design."
  2
  7
  3
  2
A modern mountain bike with a green frame and black components, showcased against a white wall. The bike features thick tires, a dropper seat post, and a visible drivetrain system. The wheels are outfitted with DT Swiss rims and Michelin tires, indicating performance suitability for off-road trails.
  7
  1
  1
  5
  1
  6
Two workers are engaged in outdoor labor on a dirt path in a forested area. One worker, wearing a pink safety vest and gloves, is using a wheelbarrow to transport gravel, while the other, in a green safety vest, is raking the gravel evenly along the path. The scene is surrounded by lush trees and vibrant greenery, showcasing a sunny day.
Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars and front fork, set against a blurred natural background. The handlebars are black, featuring grips and controls, with the bike frame visible extending toward the camera.
  3
Smiling woman wearing a gray hoodie, sitting on a floor near a light-colored wall. She has her hair pulled back and is looking directly at the camera with a friendly expression. A blurred background indicates a cozy indoor setting.
A cyclist in a blue jersey and black shorts rides a teal bike along a gravel path. The background features green fields and a cloudy sky. The cyclist is leaning forward, focused on the ride.
  14