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 Clif Bar energy bar package with a design featuring a climber scaling a mountain. The flavor is "Crunchy Peanut Butter," and it highlights that the bar is made with organic oats and soybeans. The package emphasizes nutrition for sustained energy, with the net weight listed as 2.4 oz (68g).
Culture
Clif Bar recall
Feb 3, 2009
  2
A person wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and winter clothing stands next to a fat bike equipped for snow cycling. The individual has a reflective sign on their jacket and is positioned in a snowy landscape with sparse trees in the background. A sign can be seen behind them, indicating a trail or pathway.
Community
Arrowhead 135 Winter Human Powered Race
Feb 2, 2009
Close-up view of a bicycle hub with blue spokes and a metallic finish, showcasing the intricate design and components of the wheel assembly.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Crankbrothers Cobalt Wheelset Review
Jan 30, 2009
  9
Close-up of a bicycle tire with the brand name "Kenda" visible, showcasing a blue rim and a valve stem for inflation. The tire is described as tubeless and features twin pair spokes, suitable for racing. The background is blurred, highlighting the wheel.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Kenda Dred Tread MTB tire review
Jan 29, 2009
  4
A Garmin GPS handheld device with a bright color screen displaying a topographic map. The device has a prominent antenna and a series of buttons on the front for navigation and operation.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Best GPS units for biking, hiking, and driving
Jan 28, 2009
  2
A person sitting on a mountain bike in a forested area, surrounded by tall pine trees. The individual is wearing a black t-shirt and shorts, smiling slightly while resting one hand on the bike. The atmosphere is serene with an overcast sky.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Sugoi Wallaroo wool jersey review
Jan 28, 2009
  1
A person in a helmet riding a small orange bike down a narrow, rugged dirt trail surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is leaning forward, navigating a steep section of the trail.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
FS mountain bike in a backpack
Jan 26, 2009
  5
A group of mountain bikers in bright jerseys and helmets, lined up on a road for a race, surrounded by spectators. The setting includes greenery and a hillside in the background, with a banner visible on the right side of the image.
Community
MTB stage race in India
Jan 22, 2009
  1
A fitness instructor stands in front of three exercise balls of different colors, speaking to the camera in a gym setting. The background features exercise-related items and a door leading to another room. A play button indicates it's a video.
MTB Tips
MTB Training with Bike James
Jan 21, 2009
  1
A sign for trail maintenance stands on a dirt path within a wooded area, featuring trees with bare branches. The sign encourages community involvement in trail rehabilitation for safety and enjoyment, detailing workdays from 2009 and providing contact information.
Mountain Bike Trails
Trail work at Sope Creek MTB trail
Jan 19, 2009
  3
A mountain bike tire lying on the ground next to a red hand pump. The pump features a gauge on top, and two tire levers in red and black are placed nearby. The surface beneath is concrete with some dirt and small debris.
Tires
How to fix a flat tire on your bike
Jan 17, 2009
Close-up of a mud-splattered race bib number 21 attached to a bicycle at an outdoor endurance event, with a blurred background of a rider's leg.
Community
Dirty Spokes MTB Endurance Race Series in Georgia
Jan 16, 2009
  1
Close-up view of a bicycle's drivetrain, featuring a brown frame, crankset, and chain. The rear wheel is visible with a knobby tire, set against a textured concrete background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Fixed gear mountain bikes
Jan 16, 2009
  2
Smiling man wearing a gray baseball cap and reflective sunglasses, standing outdoors at a busy event. The background features tents and people, suggesting a festive atmosphere.
Culture
Bootleg Canyon Trailmaster needs your help!
Jan 15, 2009
  3
A person performing a pull-up on a metal bar, viewed from behind. The individual has muscular arms and is wearing a sleeveless black shirt, with a clear blue sky in the background.
MTB Tips
Get in shape for mountain biking without spending a dime
Jan 14, 2009
  2
A person wearing a helmet stands beside a mountain bike in a wooded area, adjusting the bike while surrounded by trees and foliage.
MTB Tips
How to hop a log or rock on your mountain bike
Jan 9, 2009
  6
Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail on a scenic overlook, with vast desert landscapes and distant mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
MTB Tips
Big Mountain MTB Training Camp
Jan 8, 2009
An indoor skate park featuring a wooden ramp setup with various levels and pathways designed for skateboarding and BMX riding, surrounded by industrial elements and lighting.
MTB Tips
New indoor mountain bike circuit opening in Boulder, CO
Jan 7, 2009
  5
A close-up of a male cyclist with tousled hair, wearing a black and red helmet and a red cycling jersey, showing a dirty and exhausted expression after a race. Mud is visible on his face, indicating he has been competing in challenging conditions. In the background, another cyclist is partially visible, also in a red helmet.
Culture
Trek-Volkswagen MTB team pulling the plug
Jan 6, 2009
Colorful party hats and noise makers on a white background. The hats are metallic with blue, red, and green polka dots, featuring fringed edges. Two shiny noise makers in red and gold are also present, adding to the festive atmosphere.
MTB Tips
New Years MTB Resolutions
Jan 5, 2009
  3
A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail in a forest during the daytime, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves on the ground.
Mountain Bike Trails
Oak Mountain SP MTB ride report
Jan 2, 2009
  4
A vintage red bicycle with white accents and wide tires, leaning against a textured brick wall. The bike features a unique design with a stylish frame and an old-fashioned seat.
Culture
New museum of mountain bike art and technology (MOMBAT)
Dec 31, 2008
A dirt path winding through a forest with green trees and foliage, featuring fallen leaves on the ground and a small wooden bridge off to the side.
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB resort development proposed for northern Alabama
Dec 30, 2008
Logo of Singletracks featuring a green and white icon of stylized trees or mountains alongside the word "singletracks" in a casual handwritten font, set against a textured black damask background.
Community
MTB blog year in review 2008
Dec 29, 2008
A wooden suspension bridge stretches over a calm, forested creek, surrounded by bare trees. Signs on either side of the bridge indicate rules for crossing and provide warnings about safety. The scene is serene, depicting a peaceful natural setting in a wooded area.
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain biking at Eno River State Park?
Dec 26, 2008
  1
Logo of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), featuring the letters "IMBA" in bold white font on black circular backgrounds, accompanied by the tagline "JOIN" in white text on a red circular background, along with the website URL "IMBA.com."
Mountain Bike Trails
Comment now to increase MTB opportunities in National Parks!
Dec 22, 2008
  5
A person wearing sunglasses poses in front of an erupting volcano, with lava flowing down the side against a dramatic red and orange background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Ryders sunglasses are hot
Dec 22, 2008
A close-up view of a bicycle's rear chainstay featuring multiple safety lights in various colors, including red and white. The bicycle is positioned next to a tree in a natural setting, with pine needles scattered on the ground.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike lights from Knog
Dec 21, 2008
A person dressed as Santa Claus, complete with a red suit and hat, rides a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a scenic landscape. The sun shines brightly in the clear blue sky, and hills are visible in the background.
Culture
Mountain biking Santa
Dec 19, 2008
  1
Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a bike light mounted on the left side, with a person's hand partially visible gripping the handlebar. The light is black with silver accents and the text "Bella Stella" displayed on the body. The background is blurred natural scenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
Lights
Light & Motion Stella 120 Review
Dec 19, 2008
  1
A cyclist wearing a bright red long-sleeve jacket and black shorts is standing beside his mountain bike, looking down at a device on the handlebars. The scene is set in a wooded area with rocky terrain and foliage in the background, indicating an outdoor adventure.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Cold weather riding gear
Dec 18, 2008
  3
Mountain bike with a lightweight titanium frame, featuring modern suspension components, disc brakes, and knobby tires, displayed against a black background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Up to $350 off Litespeed mountain bikes thru Feb 28, 2009
Dec 18, 2008
Two mountain bikers stand on a rocky landscape, smiling while holding their bikes. They are wearing helmets and protective gear. In the background, there are rugged terrains and trees. The image features the "Subaru Trail Care Crew" logo and a slogan that reads "I Hate Bikes."
Mountain Bike Trails
One half of the 2009 IMBA Trail Crew
Dec 17, 2008
  2
A black and red pump with a padded grip, resting on a bed of dry, brown leaves. The pump features a pressure gauge and a flexible hose, showcasing its sturdy design and functionality in an outdoor setting.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Blackburn mini-pumps follow up review
Dec 17, 2008
  1
A large outdoor play area featuring natural elements such as logs and wooden paths built into a dirt surface. The setting includes several sections with strategically placed logs and mounds, surrounded by green trees and grass in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
MTB Skills Park in Fresno
Dec 16, 2008
  1
A winding dirt road curves through a forested area featuring tall, bare trees and scattered autumn leaves. In the background, a small stream flows over rocks, bordered by a slope of earth and vegetation. The scene captures a tranquil natural setting in a wooded environment.
Mountain Bike Trails
Helen, GA mountain biking report
Dec 16, 2008
  2
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery, with a logo for the Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE) displayed at the top.
Community
Christmas MTB ride @ Rosaryville in Maryland
Dec 15, 2008
Screenshot of a webpage from Singletracks featuring a review of the Ellsworth Truth mountain bike. The page displays the bike's specifications, user reviews, pros and cons, and an editor's review, including details about its design and performance, alongside advertisements and navigation options.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
New MTB Gear Pages
Dec 12, 2008
  1
A cheerful mascot in a blue dress and a large bow, waving from a decorated float during a parade. The character has oversized ears and a big smile, embodying a playful and welcoming presence.
Culture
Minnie Mouse crashes mountain bike, breaks ankle
Dec 12, 2008
  2
A close-up view of a Garmin Edge 705 cycling computer mounted on a bike handlebar, displaying an elevation reading of 821 feet. The screen shows a graphical representation of the terrain. The bike's handlebar and gear shift are also visible in the image.
GPS
Garmin Edge 705 Review
Dec 11, 2008
  1
A silver bicycle decorated with a large red bow stands next to a Christmas tree adorned with blue and gold ornaments. The scene is set in a cozy room with wooden floors and a patterned rug.
Culture
New and used mountain bikes for less fortunate families
Dec 8, 2008
  1
Two Blackburn bicycle pumps resting on a bed of dry, fallen leaves. The pumps are black with silver detailing, showcasing the Blackburn logo prominently. One pump is partially extended, while the other is fully collapsed. The autumn leaves in the background provide a natural setting.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mini pumps head to head: Blackburn Mammoth reviews
Dec 8, 2008
  2
A cyclist in a black outfit and race number 59 loses control and falls in a snowy landscape, with a bike flipping in the air. Red and white tape marks the course in the background against a clear blue sky.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mega Avalance Downhill MTB Race
Dec 5, 2008
A decorative wall piece featuring an abstract relief sculpture of a cyclist, framed within a rectangular shape, set against an oval textured background. The sculpture has metallic tones, highlighting the figure in motion.
Culture
Mountain Bike Art
Dec 4, 2008
  1
Promotional image for Ellsworth Bikes offering a $250 discount on USA-made bicycles for the holiday season. The image includes several pieces of text detailing the promotion, instructions for redeeming the offer, and a certificate for the discount. The layout features a header with the Ellsworth logo, a festive message, and a call to action encouraging customers to take advantage of the deal.
Culture
$250 off Ellsworth Mountain Bikes!
Dec 2, 2008
  1
A close-up view of a muddy bicycle, focusing on the saddle and rear frame, with a blue sky and fluffy clouds in the background.
Culture
Sheep poo takes down 161 mountain bikers
Dec 2, 2008
  3
A holiday gift guide for mountain biking enthusiasts, featuring a selection of products organized by price categories: under $25, under $50, and under $100. Items include clothing, accessories, and gear such as a bike T-shirt, tires, tools, apparel, and hydration packs. The guide is designed for easy navigation, with images and brief descriptions for each item.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
2008 MTB Holiday Gift Guide
Dec 1, 2008
A Garmin Edge 305 cycling computer displaying elapsed time, distance, and speed is shown alongside a map and elevation profile of a cycling route. Below, there is a table listing two activities, including the dates, locations, types of activities (mountain biking and running), distances, average speeds, and corresponding times.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Updated GPS Activity Tracker
Nov 29, 2008