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 scenic outdoor setting featuring several mountain bikers crossing a rocky riverbed. On the left, cyclists navigate through shallow water, surrounded by stunning mountains and a clear blue sky. On the right, a biker is lifting their bike over their shoulder while walking through the water.
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A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain in a lush forested area, with misty trees in the background. The image promotes Whistler Mountain Bike Park, featuring the text "Opening Day May 16, 2009."
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A busy city street with a large group of cyclists wearing colorful jackets and helmets, riding together as they gather in the foreground. Tall buildings and a "Welcome" sign are visible in the background, indicating an urban environment, on a clear day.
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View of a mountain landscape framed by a cave opening, featuring lush green trees and autumn foliage in shades of yellow, set against a cloudy sky.
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A person hiking along a dirt trail through a lush green meadow, surrounded by tall pine trees and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
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A winding dirt path surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, creating a tranquil forest scene. The path is slightly wet, suggesting recent rain, and the vibrant greenery indicates a healthy, thriving woodland environment.
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Image of a red bicycle frame with the brand name "Paketa" prominently displayed. The frame appears to be made from magnesium and is in a sleek, modern design. The background is a gradient from black to gray, highlighting the frame's features.
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Two male cyclists are competing in a race. The cyclist in the foreground, wearing a green and yellow jersey with the number 03, is leaning forward on his bike as he speeds ahead. The second cyclist, dressed in a red jersey, is closely behind. The background features spectators and other cyclists, emphasizing the competitive atmosphere of the event.
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A close-up of a person wearing a ski helmet and goggles, with a Contour HD camera mounted on the side of the helmet. The goggles have a reflective lens, and the person's expression suggests focus and determination. The background is dark, emphasizing the helmet and goggles.
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A group of mountain bikers navigating a dirt trail through a forested area during autumn, with fallen leaves on the ground and trees in the background. One rider is leading the group, wearing a red helmet and colorful long-sleeve jersey, while others follow behind, dressed in various biking attire.
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A mountain biker in athletic gear jumps off a rocky incline, with a backdrop of mountains and a bright blue sky dotted with clouds. The bike features distinctive yellow wheels, and the rider appears focused and in motion.
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A yellow mountain bike with a lightweight frame, front suspension, and wide tires designed for rugged terrain. The bike features a chain drive, multiple gears, and disc brakes for improved stopping power.
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A mountain biker enjoying a ride through a wooded trail covered in autumn leaves, with sunlight filtering through the trees. The rider, wearing a helmet and a backpack, navigates a rocky section of the path.
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A wheelchair athlete raises one hand in victory as they cross the finish line, breaking the tape at a race. The setting includes urban scenery in the background, indicating a lively event atmosphere. The athlete is wearing a helmet and racing attire, showcasing determination and achievement.
A cyclist in a red outfit rides a mountain bike down a snowy slope, leaning forward to gain speed. The background is predominantly white, emphasizing the action and movement of the rider.
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Close-up view of a muddy bicycle tire on a dirt path, with tire tread marks visible in the mud and scattered leaves nearby.
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A 3D topographic map showing the mountain range and terrain of Southern Arizona, featuring key locations such as Mt. Lemmon, Mt. Wrightson, Patagonia, Parker Lake, and the Canelo Hills. A red line traces a hiking route connecting these landmarks, with Mexico located to the south. The landscape is depicted with textured earth tones and dramatic elevation changes.
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A close-up image of numerous white plastic spools or tubes piled together, showcasing their textured surfaces and circular openings. The spools are arranged in a disorganized manner, creating a visually interesting pattern.
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A mountain bike partially obscured by yellow caution tape, with the text "NAME ME! OWN ME." at the top. The image has a playful and eye-catching design, emphasizing the bike’s presence.
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A pair of black metal handcuffs with a locking mechanism, accompanied by a key, resting on a white background.
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A bustling outdoor event scene featuring a wide dirt pathway flanked by vendor tents displaying various brands. People are walking and mingling, with some cycling, under a clear blue sky. The tents are marked with logos, and there are various flags and banners in the background, creating a lively atmosphere.
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A cyclist performing a jump on a mountain bike amidst a grassy landscape and bare trees, with a clear blue sky in the background.
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A mountain biker wearing a helmet and a yellow shirt rides down a steep, uneven set of stairs in a historic setting, while a photographer captures the action. The video title is "Extreme Mexican Mountain Biking."
Screenshot of a YouTube channel with a video in progress, featuring instructional content and a red-themed layout. The video shows a person wearing blue gloves working on a mechanical task. The channel section includes recent uploads and options to connect or subscribe.
A modern mountain bike with a white frame and orange accents, featuring front and rear disc brakes, knobby tires, and a suspension system. The bike is positioned on a flat surface, showcasing its sleek design and sturdy build.
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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a black grip with "Syncros" branding and measurement markings visible, set against a blurred background of red foliage.
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A group of cyclists in colorful jerseys and helmets prepare for a race, lined up on a road with spectators in the background. The cyclists include both adults and youths, and various bicycles are visible. The scene is set in a hilly area, with greenery and a banner promoting the event nearby.
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A close-up view of a brown mountain bike, focusing on the saddle and seat post. Attached to the seat post is a green accessory. The background features trees and a slightly blurred natural landscape, indicating an outdoor setting. Leaves are scattered on the ground, suggesting a fall or early winter environment.
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A mountain biker in a red jersey jumps off a wooden ramp into a wooded area, with trees surrounding the scene. Below, a small group of people watches from a dirt path, observing the action amidst a natural landscape.
An artistic illustration of a cyclist riding a bike, with a skeletal structure visible in the upper part of the body. The background is a solid green color, and the text "Riding the Spine" is displayed prominently in a stylized font at the top.
A winding dirt trail leads through a grassy hillside, surrounded by tall pine trees under a cloudy sky.
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Close-up view of a bicycle seat and seat post, set against a natural background of fallen leaves and trees. The seat features a sleek design with perforated detailing, and the seat post is adjustable. The image highlights the bicycle's components amidst a woodland environment.
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A person riding a mountain bike across rugged, rocky terrain with prominent rock formations in the background under a clear sky.
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A street view image showing the exterior of a modern building located at 882 W Madison St, Waterloo, WI, United States. The entrance is visible along with landscaping and signage indicating the street name. A flag is also seen in the background.
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A mountain biker rides a wooden wheel structure suspended among trees, showcasing an adventurous biking challenge. The biker, wearing a helmet and red jacket, navigates the uniquely designed obstacle made of wooden planks and beams.
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A mountain biker navigating a winding path through a wooded area in late autumn, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves on the ground.
Poster for the film "Klunkerz," featuring a vintage-style design with the title prominently displayed. The background includes a group of people, likely mountain bikers, along with the tagline "They re-invented the wheel." The poster lists contributors to the film, showcasing various names associated with mountain biking. The overall aesthetic suggests a nostalgic look at the history of mountain biking culture.
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Graphic design featuring a stylized mountain bike in front of an artistic background that includes the Statue of Liberty and text reading "The Ellsworth Economic Recovery Plan." The overall tone combines elements of patriotism and outdoor recreation.
A mountain biker in a yellow jersey and a helmet stands next to his bicycle in a muddy area, while other cyclists navigate through a waterlogged path in the background. The scene captures a race or cycling event in a natural setting, surrounded by greenery.
A blue Bianchi mountain bike with a front suspension fork, featuring a sleek design and visible brand name on the frame. The bike is displayed on a show floor with other bicycles in the background, highlighting its sporty aesthetic.
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Image comparing two types of tire treads: the left shows a siped center tread with multiple small grooves for improved traction, while the right displays a clipped center tread designed for enhanced stability and performance.
A split image showing two scenes: on the left, a person in a bright green cycling outfit stands next to a rocky outcrop, with a red arrow indicating the trajectory of a fall; on the right, a close-up of a green wallet with visible damage, captioned "Cassie's Jimi wallet post impact."
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A stylish single-speed bicycle with a sleek frame is positioned on a rock, set against a dramatic sky. The bike features a minimalist design, a comfortable saddle, and large, thin tires, capturing a modern aesthetic ideal for outdoor adventures.
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A mountain bike with a brown and red frame, featuring front suspension, disc brakes, and thick tires, parked in front of a garage door.
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Image showing various components of the SRAM XX bicycle drivetrain, including derailleurs, crankset, and other related parts, with the text "Sub 2300g incl brakes" prominently displayed.
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A mountain biker in a blue shirt and helmet is jumping off a wooden ramp in a wooded area surrounded by palm trees. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating a vibrant green backdrop.
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Close-up image of a bicycle handlebar featuring a textured gray grip, a brake lever labeled "STROKER," and a metallic brake mechanism. The background shows a rocky surface and some natural elements.
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