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
 
Close-up view of a bicycle wheel hub, featuring a shiny red and silver design with spokes radiating outward.
A close-up image of a black and gray cycling jacket featuring the text "GORE BIKE WEAR" and "COMFORT MAPPING." The jacket includes reflective zippers and a red accent at the collar.
  2
A person giving a thumbs-up while standing next to a mountain bike on a dirt path surrounded by rocks and sparse vegetation. The individual is wearing a black helmet, sunglasses, and a green t-shirt, with a backpack on their back. In the background, there's an inflatable archway and a white vehicle. The setting appears to be an outdoor biking event or trail.
Close-up image of a Saris bike rack mechanism showing a gray body with labeled controls for adjustment, featuring a yellow lever and a large red button. The text "STANDARD 20” ONLY" is visible near the adjustment area.
A close-up image of a black and silver cycling shoe with a carbon sole. The shoe features a breathable microfiber upper, adjustable buckle, and Velcro straps. It is displayed on a stand with a description highlighting its design and specifications, including its size range and weight.
Image of a bicycle crankset featuring a silver chainring with multiple teeth, attached to a black crank arm marked with the TRUVATIV logo. The component is slightly dusty, indicating use, and is set against a rocky background.
Alt text: Close-up of a green bicycle frame with a "Raleigh XXIX Pro" logo and a graphic illustration of a skeleton. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A close-up image of a black and blue sports bat labeled "Evolve," resting on a gravel surface. The bat features white text with a dynamic design, showcasing the brand name prominently.
A modern mountain bike resting on a rocky, dirt surface, showcasing its light gray and black frame, front suspension fork, and thick tires suitable for off-road terrain. Sparse vegetation is visible in the background.
  4
Close-up view of a white bicycle frame featuring the "Spitfire" logo on the top tube, set against a rocky terrain.
  2
Close-up of a silver bike frame with the brand name "MOOTOxZ" prominently displayed. The background features a desert landscape with blurred figures in the distance, suggesting an outdoor activity or event.
  1
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear wheel drivetrain, featuring a black gear mechanism, visible spokes, and a blue belt. The background includes a textured surface, possibly gravel or dirt, indicating an outdoor setting.
A black mountain bike with red and silver accents, positioned on a dirt surface. The bike features front suspension, disc brakes, and knobby tires, ideal for off-road riding.
  3
A mountain biker dressed in a red and black jersey and shorts performs a jump over a rocky outcrop, with a scenic landscape and distant hills in the background.
Logo for Tri-Flow, featuring bold lettering in orange with a circular design element, set against an orange background.
  4
A group of individuals, wearing helmets and gloves, work together to move a large log in a wooded area. They are positioned in a line, using teamwork to lift and shift the log, surrounded by trees and underbrush.
  2
Circular logo featuring a yellow lion on a black silhouette of a mountain, with the text "The Lion Has Risen" at the top and "Pisgah Stage M.T.B. Race" along the bottom. The dates "October 15-18, 2009" are also included in the design. The background is red.
A crowded outdoor event featuring various tents and flags from different brands, with a backdrop of rugged mountains under a clear blue sky. Participants in cycling gear are seen mingling and exploring vendor displays.
  10
Silhouette of a person riding a bicycle against a green background, accompanied by the text "IMBA Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day."
  2
Map showing a trail route marked in red, traversing through various parks including Leona Ridge, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, and Lake Chabot. The map features geographical landmarks and the Upper San Leandro Reservoir, accompanied by a scale of 0.5 miles.
  3
Close-up of a bicycle wheel resting on green grass, showing black spokes, a red and black rim, and a disc brake rotor at the hub.
  2
Black shorts featuring a zippered pocket and a panel with buttons for controlling music or audio devices. The design includes reflective elements and a comfortable fit, suitable for outdoor activities.
A black and green mountain bike positioned next to an old, rusted piece of machinery in a wooded area, with its wheels on a dirt surface and sunlight filtering through the trees.
  1
A red mountain bike with a sleek design, featuring a silver frame, thick black tires, and a multi-gear system. The bike is positioned against a weathered brick wall, showcasing a mix of modern and vintage elements.
A close-up image of a Contour HD action camera mounted on a bike frame, secured with a pink strap. The camera features a round lens with the brand name clearly visible on the side. The background is slightly blurred, highlighting the camera's details.
  7
Image depicting a promotional webpage for a "Pack-a-Day Give-A-Way" from Mountain Hardwear. The page features a colorful banner at the top with the text "THE PACK IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND." Below, there is a large backpack labeled "AGAMA" as the featured product of the day, along with a call-to-action to enter an email address for a chance to win. Smaller images of other backpacks, including "Iguana," "Sentinel Jr.," "Satchel," and "Enterprise," are displayed at the bottom. The design includes a city skyline silhouette in the background.
A screenshot of a GPS application interface displaying a map and data for Harbins Park, including trails and waypoints. The interface features a graphical elevation profile and options for importing, exporting, and reviewing data related to GPS tracking and navigation.
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail through a forest, leaning forward for balance as he speeds past a fallen log covered in moss. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the green foliage surrounding the trail.
  8
A man wearing a black "LIVESTRONG" t-shirt is seen in the foreground, looking thoughtfully to the side. In the background, another man appears to be speaking to him. The setting features a light-colored wall, suggesting an indoor environment.
  8
Logo for the Leadville Trail 100, featuring a large yellow "100" over stylized mountains, with the text "LEADVILLE TRAIL 100" below.
Image of a bicycle frame featuring the text "BEST of 2009" in bold typography. The frame is silver with green accents and shows the model number "d660" highlighted on the side. Below, there is a call to action encouraging users to add their mountain bike reviews and vote before September 1, 2009. The background is a gradient from black to gray.
  4
A person wearing a bike helmet stands in front of a wall displaying numerous bowling balls, contemplating the phrase "What would we do without trails?" The image promotes trail conservation and encourages joining the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to support mountain biking.
Two male runners compete in a trail race through a wooded area. One runner, wearing a red and black shirt, is slightly in the background, while the other, in a white and orange shirt, is in the foreground, focused on the path ahead. The terrain is rocky and surrounded by trees with autumn leaves.
  5
A winding dirt trail meanders through a forested landscape, surrounded by tall trees and patches of grass. A cyclist is visible in the distance, navigating the trail under a partly cloudy sky.
  2
A man wearing a helmet and goggles is showcasing a wearable HD camcorder mounted on the side of his helmet. The camcorder features a sleek design and is highlighted with text emphasizing "HD Video For Your Head." Below, there are sections detailing features such as "Shoot" for recording, "Share" for editing and compatibility, and the camcorder's capabilities, including wide-angle lens and one-button recording.
  9
A neatly arranged brake cable kit displayed inside an open gray box. The kit includes various cables and components, all laid out on a decorative, patterned paper.
A desolate, abandoned house surrounded by barren fields and silhouetted by two leafless trees, under a moody sky. Shadows stretch across the ground, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Image showing a silhouette of a cyclist performing a stunt after jumping off a ramp, with text overlay promoting the Hucknroll Hot Summer Sale, featuring discounts of up to 40% off on over 1,500 items. The background includes dark trees and a light sky, emphasizing the action and summer theme.
A mountain bike resting against a stone wall in a forest setting, surrounded by fallen leaves and bare trees. The bike features a gray frame with green accents and has knobby tires designed for off-road riding.
  5
A person riding a bicycle with a large orange trailer attached, moving along a street. The cyclist is wearing a gray jacket and blue pants, with a focused expression. The background shows blurred parked cars and buildings, indicating motion.
  3
A winding dirt trail surrounded by green foliage and trees in a forested area, with patches of leaves on the ground.
  6
Advertisement for GORE Ride-On Cable Systems featuring the text "MTB Cable Nightmares? Share yours for a chance to win free cables from GORE!" accompanied by an eerie image of a rural scene with a dilapidated house and barren trees.
Map of Heil Valley Ranch, showing trails, private lands, and topographical features. Includes a "You Are Here" marker for orientation. Provided courtesy of Boulder County.
  3
Sign marking the entrance to a mountain bike trail, featuring a stone base with a bronze plaque that reads "MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL." A mountain bike is leaning against the sign, set within a natural landscape.
  2
A pile of twisted, black rubber tubing resting on a sandy surface.
  5
Close-up portrait of a young man with short, light brown hair and a slight smile, wearing a silver chain necklace. He has a fair complexion and is surrounded by blurred, shirtless figures in the background.
A mountain biker navigating over rocky terrain on a red Intense bike, showcasing action and skill at SolVista Bike Park.
  4
A woman walks between rows of bicycles, primarily in red and black, arranged neatly in a large indoor space. The bicycles are lined up in a way that showcases their wheels and handlebars, with additional bikes visible in the background.
  2