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 depicting a cycling event with a focus on competitive spirit. In the foreground, a cyclist in a red jersey with a logo sits on a chair, while in the background, another cyclist rides on a trail. The image features bold graphics with the text "UNRIVALED" and mentions top finishes at an event in a bold, modern layout.
  4
A calendar page for May, featuring a vibrant photograph of a cyclist performing a trick on a wooden ramp in a forest setting. The image captures a dynamic moment, with sunlight filtering through the trees. The calendar includes the days of the month and is placed on a wooden surface.
  5
A sign indicating that a trail is closed for revegetation and erosion control, surrounded by a wooded area with fallen branches and some snow on the ground.
  13
Three male mountain bikers stand on a podium with their arms raised in celebration. They are wearing colorful cycling jerseys and shorts. The background features a large banner with various sponsors and logos, and the setting is under a wooden structure, likely a pavilion or shelter.
  3
A colorful cycling jersey featuring a green and white geometric design with black accents and branding on the sleeves.
  3
A group of volunteers working on a wooded trail, clearing debris and leveling the ground. The scene shows a person using a tool on the trail, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves. Other volunteers can be seen in the background, engaged in similar activities. The area is rocky and covered with fallen leaves, reflecting a peaceful outdoor setting.
  2
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear brake system, featuring a black brake caliper marked with "XO," connected to a disc brake rotor and surrounding components. The background is blurred, highlighting the intricate details of the brake assembly.
  3
Five mountain bikers standing on a trail, looking out over a scenic landscape of mountains, green forests, and a blue sky with fluffy clouds. The bikers are wearing helmets and cycling gear, with their bikes positioned beside them. Snow-capped peaks are visible in the distance.
  6
Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub and disc brake, showing the intricate details of the spokes and metallic components, with dirt and leaves in the background, suggesting outdoor use.
  3
An X-ray image of a human forearm showing the bones of the radius and ulna. The image displays the skeletal structure with a dark background.
  22
A mountain biking race taking place in a wooded area, featuring two riders in action. One cyclist, wearing a red and white jersey and a red helmet, is leading the way, while another cyclist in a blue jersey trails closely behind. In the background, an orange tent and spectators can be seen amidst the trees.
  2
A person in an orange jacket is packing a backpack outside a cabin surrounded by tall pine trees and open grassland, with a mountainous landscape in the background.
  3
Two mountain bikers riding on a winding dirt trail through a dry, hilly landscape. The terrain is rocky with patches of grass, and distant mountains are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
  8
Three scenic images of a lakeside recreational area. The first image shows a gravel area surrounded by trees, the second features a boat ramp and dock with tranquil green water, and the third captures a peaceful lakeside path lined with trees.
  3
Five mountain bikers, standing side by side on a trail, gaze out at a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains and lush green forests under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. They are wearing helmets and biking gear, with their bikes parked next to them.
  3
Close-up view of a black bicycle rear derailleur mounted on a frame, with a chain running through it. The background features brown leaves, indicating an outdoor setting.
  4
A mountain biker, covered in mud, navigates a rocky, wooded trail during a rainy day. The cyclist wears a helmet and a gray jacket, with a race number visible on the bike. Surrounding trees are bare, and wet leaves cover the ground.
  6
A panoramic view of a rugged, arid landscape showcasing layered hills and valleys with reddish-brown earth. A narrow dirt path meanders along the top of a ridge, leading into the distance under a clear blue sky. Mountain ranges are visible on the horizon.
  6
A black and blue bicycle helmet is placed next to a pair of gloves featuring a similar design with bright yellow accents. In the background, there is a collection of books on biking. A package labeled "Crank Protection" is also visible, featuring a design layout.
  1
A screenshot of an online review page featuring three sections: "Big Creek Reviews," "Central Park Reviews," and "Chicopee Woods Reviews." Each section includes a star rating, a brief review of the respective trails, and an update on their status (open, closed, or in need of work). The reviews highlight user experiences and provide trail condition insights.
  4
A mountain biker pushing their bicycle uphill on a rocky trail, surrounded by mountains and clear blue skies.
  1
Three men stand beside a small aircraft on a salt flat, each holding a bicycle. The men are casually dressed, with two wearing dark shirts and one in a light blue shirt. The aircraft has a red and white design, and the backdrop features a clear blue sky and distant mountains.
  2
A close-up view of a metal bicycle cassette, featuring multiple gear sprockets stacked in a circular arrangement. The background includes various bicycle-related stickers and packaging.
  7
A mountain biker navigating a winding, rocky trail surrounded by dense fog. The path curves sharply along a rugged landscape, illustrating the challenging terrain of the ride.
  3
Image displaying a background gradient with the text "No Photo" prominently centered.
  4
A mountain bike with a race number 726 attached is parked on a gravel surface. The bike is covered in mud, indicating recent use in a rugged outdoor environment. In the background, a gray vehicle is partially visible amidst green trees.
  9
A tranquil forest scene with bare trees and a carpet of fallen leaves covering the ground. The path meanders gently through the woods, surrounded by tall trees with sparse foliage, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
  3
A narrow dirt trail winding through a forest of tall pine trees, with a ground covered in reddish-brown pine needles.
  5
A mountain bike parked beside a narrow dirt trail winding through a forest with bare trees and autumn leaves scattered on the ground.
  3
Close-up view of a muddy bicycle drivetrain, featuring a dirty chain, crankset, and rear wheel. The frame shows significant buildup of mud, indicating recent use in off-road conditions.
  3
A mountain bike resting on a path next to a sign that displays the "Rules of the Trail," set in a wooded area with bare trees and a misty atmosphere. The ground is covered with brown leaves and the path is a mix of dirt and paved sections.
  7
A dirt path winding through a forest with leaf-covered ground, leading up a small hill. Tall trees with bare branches line the path, creating a serene and natural atmosphere.
  2
A group of mountain bikers resting in a wooded area. One cyclist is sitting on a bench near the trail, while three others stand next to their bikes, discussing their route. The scene is surrounded by tall trees and a natural forest floor.
  4
A rusty bicycle lying on the sandy bank of a river, with trees and a rocky shore in the background. The water is clear and calm, reflecting the surrounding scenery. The environment appears tranquil and somewhat secluded.
  3
A mountain bike leaning against a weathered wooden wall, featuring a mix of colors including silver and green. The bike's tires are muddy, suggesting recent use in outdoor conditions. Fallen leaves and debris are scattered around the base of the bike.
  3
A green sign welcoming visitors to the 1996 Olympic Mountain Bike Course, with instructions stating that the trail is maintained by volunteers from the Southern Off Road Bicycle Association. The sign also indicates that all riders must wear helmets beyond a certain point and that the trail is one direction only, instructing visitors to follow arrows. In the background, there is an open field and trees under a clear blue sky.
  7
Two mountain bikers racing on a dirt trail surrounded by pine trees. The rider in the foreground is wearing a blue and white jersey and is making a hand gesture, while the second rider in the background wears a black and blue jersey. The terrain is dusted with a sandy texture and the sky has a mix of clouds.
  6
A winding dirt trail covered in fallen leaves leads through a forest of tall trees, with a wooden bicycle ramp extending over a drop-off on the left side. A mountain bike is leaning against the hill next to the ramp, and the scene is illuminated by soft, natural light filtering through the trees.
  6
Close-up view of a textured stone surface featuring a distinct, dark line running along the rock, surrounded by lighter areas and shadows from nearby vegetation. The image captures the natural patterns and erosion effects on the stone.
  4
A geometric logo featuring three stylized green mountain peaks set against a black topographic background. The design includes varying shades of green and a white border.
  11
Two off-road motorcycles are positioned on a dimly lit trail during nighttime, surrounded by dense foliage. Bright headlights illuminate the path, casting light on fallen leaves, while figures, possibly riders, are partially visible near the bikes.
  6
A narrow dirt path meanders through a forest with tall trees, surrounded by a carpet of fallen leaves. The scene captures the tranquility of a wooded area in autumn, with branches devoid of leaves in some places and hints of greenery in others. Soft sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the pathway that leads deeper into the forest.
  2
Clear weatherproof camera mounted on a suction cup stand, displaying dual lenses for capturing images.
  5
A mountain bike resting next to a large rock on a forest trail covered with fallen leaves, surrounded by trees in a wooded area.
  5
A simple stick figure riding a bicycle in water, with an arrow pointing to the bike's handlebars. The background features a blue water line below the figure, suggesting it is submerged.
  12
A mountain bike with a partially snow-covered frame stands beside a snowy trail winding through a dense forest. The trees are bare, and the ground is blanketed in fresh snow, creating a serene winter landscape.
  8
A close-up view of a mountain bike parked next to a winding dirt trail, surrounded by tall trees and scattered leaves. Sunlight filters through the forest, casting shadows on the path.
  7
Close-up of a Contour HD action camera attached to a bicycle frame, secured with a pink strap. The camera features a wide-angle lens and is designed for outdoor recording.
  7