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 fat-tire bicycle parked on rocky terrain, surrounded by sparse vegetation and mountains in the background. The bike is olive green with thick tires designed for rugged trails.
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Logo for Singletracks featuring the text "Best MTB of 2013" in a prominent orange banner, surrounded by a black shield design with five stars and a gear illustration in the center.
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A digital illustration of a helmet, labeled "BULT," featuring an adjacent computer screen displaying a camera view. The helmet is shown from the side, highlighting functional buttons, an indicator light, and an arrow pointing to adjustable camera features. Key components and their functions are detailed in numbered sections.
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A black mountain bike positioned on a gravel path surrounded by trees and greenery, with the bike angled to showcase its wheels and frame. The scene indicates a natural outdoor setting, ideal for biking.
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Close-up of a plaid fabric in shades of gray, red, and white, featuring a button and a zippered pocket. The texture and pattern of the fabric are clearly visible, highlighting the casual style.
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A man in a green cycling jersey stands in a wooded area, smiling. He has a mustache and is wearing a gray cap, with a rocky trail and trees in the background covered in fallen leaves.
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A person wearing a red long-sleeve shirt with a chest harness mounted with an action camera, standing outdoors in a forested area. The action camera is attached to the harness, positioned at the person's chest.
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A website interface titled "Discover Your Trail" featuring an outdoor scene with a winding path through greenery and mountains. Below the image, it includes sections for outdoor recreation data services, activity and location search options, and a promotional section for a product, along with contact information.
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A modern two-story building called "Crash Pad," featuring a sign and a spiral staircase on the side. The entrance is well-lit, with large windows, and the surrounding area has green grass and trees. The image is taken during dusk, showcasing a vibrant blue sky.
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A split-image showing two trails in a forested area. The left side features a wooden bridge elevated over a pathway, surrounded by trees and greenery. The right side depicts a dirt trail leading into a clearing, with a rock formation in the background, under clear blue skies.
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A silver air pressure gauge with a red hose attached to a nozzle. The gauge features a circular dial with indicators for pressure levels, ranging from 0 to 60 PSI. The nozzle is designed for connecting to tires or other inflatable items.
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Close-up image of a textured surface resembling natural fibers, featuring a light beige color with subtle variations and fine strands visible throughout.
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A close-up of a black and green cycling shoe worn with a black sock, resting on a textured tree trunk in a natural outdoor setting, surrounded by green leaves and branches.
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A man wearing dark sunglasses and a gray t-shirt, outdoors with a blurred background of natural scenery.
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A Redline D660 29er mountain bike is displayed against a rocky backdrop, showcasing its sleek design and components. The bike features a black and green frame, SRAM X0 brakes, and a SRAM 9-Speed PowerGlide II cassette. The image also includes details about the bike's specifications and comments from users.
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Close-up of a mountain bike's front suspension fork and tire, showcasing the textured tread of the tire against a natural outdoor backdrop.
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A person riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage, with a scenic view of hills and valleys in the background.
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Close-up of a mountain bike tire labeled "Slant Six" on the sidewall, mounted on a wheel with a visible rim. The background features a blurred natural setting with greenery. The tire specifications include size and casing details.
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A black and white fat bike with oversized tires, showcasing a unique frame design. The bike is displayed in a crowded exhibition space, with people in the background. The setting features an array of bikes and cycling accessories.
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Three compact, high-intensity LED lights mounted on a display stand, featuring various brightness settings and designed for professional lighting applications. The lights are connected by flexible cables, with a sleek design and multiple control buttons. The background is blurred, indicating a trade show or exhibition environment.
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Two pairs of black shorts hanging on a rack, featuring various pockets and zippers. The shorts are made from a lightweight fabric, and one pair has a tag attached. The background shows blurred clothing items.
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Close-up view of a bicycle crankset featuring a SRAM XX1 chainring and crank arm, with a visible chain and tire in the background, set in a cycling event environment.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a textured black grip and a gear shifter labeled "SRAM X0," set against a blurred green background.
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Logo featuring "singletracks" at the top, three stars above, and a stylized mountain graphic. A ribbon at the bottom reads "Best MTB Gear 2012."
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A winding dirt path through a lush forest, surrounded by tall trees and vibrant green ferns. The scene captures a peaceful, natural landscape with a mix of aspen and conifer trees under soft sunlight.
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