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
 
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A close-up view of a person wearing a CamelBak hydration pack, positioned on their lower back, while holding onto a bicycle handlebar. The background features a forested area, suggesting an outdoor activity like biking or hiking.
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A bright turquoise mountain bike with striking pink accents. The bike features a sturdy frame and is displayed on a stand against a green backdrop, indicating a bicycle event or exhibition.
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Outdoor recreation map for Sedona, Arizona, featuring topographic shaded relief and details on 14 popular mountain bike trails, including elevation profiles, trail mileages, and difficulty symbols. The map is waterproof and designed for outdoor use.
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A view of an outdoor event area with various vendor tents, including those for bike brands. The scene is accompanied by overcast skies and a few people walking around. There is a green signboard in the foreground, and a cyclist can be seen riding in the background.
A group of people standing together in a forested area, holding a banner for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). The individuals, dressed in casual outdoor clothing, appear to be involved in mountain biking activities, with a couple of them smiling at the camera. A dog is also present among the group.
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Image of a black smartphone case with a transparent front panel and a separate back panel, both lying on a woven surface. The front panel has a red edge and cutouts for buttons and a camera, while the back panel features a textured design.
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A green bike helmet resting on a rustic metal pipe, featuring ventilation holes and an orange chin strap. In the background, blurred greenery and a stone wall can be seen.
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A close-up view of small, colorful cameras arranged on a dark surface. The camera in the foreground is blue with a metallic lens and a rainbow stripe, while other cameras in the background are red and black, each featuring similar design elements.
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A mountain bike parked on a rocky shoreline near a calm body of water, with icebergs scattered in the water and a cloudy sky above.
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A close-up view of a folded topographic map depicting mountainous terrain, featuring contour lines, trails, and labeled geographic features. The map includes vibrant colors highlighting different elevations and landscapes.
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Google Glass GDK announcement event in San Francisco. Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
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Book cover for "How to Mount Aconcagua: A Mostly Serious Guide to Climbing the Tallest Mountain Outside the Himalayas" by Jim Hodgson. The cover features a scenic mountain landscape with a climber in silhouette. A green box promotes purchasing the book on Amazon.
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Infographic titled "King of the Mountain," featuring data and statistics related to mountain climbing. It includes graphs, percentages, and historical context from 1977, along with visual elements like mountains and various icons. The infographic highlights aspects such as the number of climbers, challenges faced, and survey results regarding mountain climbing experiences.
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A scenic view of a forest during autumn, featuring a mix of vibrant orange, yellow, and green trees against a clear blue sky. The foreground shows lush grass and scattered shrubs, while tall pine trees create a dense backdrop.
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An electric mountain bike parked on a rocky terrain under a clear blue sky, showcasing its sturdy design and off-road capabilities.
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A mountain biker rides along a dimly lit trail at night, illuminated by bright headlights from their bike and another cyclist in the background. The scene conveys a sense of adventure and the thrill of nighttime biking in a natural setting.
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A cardboard box filled with shredded packing material containing three Clif Bar packages: Spiced Pumpkin Pie, Iced Pumpkin Pie, and Pecan Pie.
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A topographic map showing a recommended outdoor route with a total distance of 28.5 miles and an elevation gain of 6,335 feet. The map features a highlighted trail in orange and includes additional data such as a profile of elevation changes along the route, with the highest point reaching 1,982 feet. A rating system with stars indicates user feedback, and options to print, download, or access GPS data are also provided.
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Close-up image of a black fishing rod with the word "NAPALM" and various design elements, including a crosshair graphic, displayed on its surface. The background features a blurred array of colorful fishing gear.
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Close-up view of a bicycle tire, showcasing the detailed tread pattern and the branding on the sidewall. The background features a blurred orange graphic, emphasizing the focus on the tire.
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A close-up view of a bicycle frame, showcasing a sleek, modern design with a dark gray finish and white accents. The frame features the brand name "Firezzer" prominently displayed, along with detailing on the manufacturing link and structural components.
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A hand holding a compact action camera, showcasing a small screen and lens, with a blurred background of people and event signage.
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A close-up view of mountain bike handlebars on rocky terrain, with a scenic landscape and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. The bike frame features the word "REPACK" prominently displayed.
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Close-up view of an electric mountain bike, highlighting the rear suspension, motor, and battery system. The bike is positioned under a tent, with an outdoor landscape visible in the background.
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