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
 
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike price inflation?
Apr 28, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Electric mountain bike
Apr 25, 2008
  2
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Community
Western MTB Adventures: From Utah to South Dakota
Apr 24, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Culture
Lifestyles of the fast and fearless: Pro mountain bikers
Apr 24, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Mountain Bike Trails
Australia cracks down on illegal mountain bike trails
Apr 23, 2008
Community
Spring mountain bike adventures: Fruita
Apr 23, 2008
Culture
San Jose mountain bike innovator dies at Sea Otter Classic
Apr 22, 2008
  2
Mountain Bikes and Gear
West Coast MTB News: Single speed bikes and Urban trails
Apr 18, 2008
  1
Black t-shirt featuring a logo design inspired by the NBA logo, depicting a silhouette of a BMX rider, with red and blue colors on either side of the figure.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
New MTB Lifestyle Clothing Line: Division 26
Apr 17, 2008
Culture
Spring is here, now it's not
Apr 15, 2008
Community
Bike Fest Jump Jam 2008: Santa Cruz, CA
Apr 15, 2008
Community
Collective Movie Premier: Seasons (plus beer!)
Apr 14, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Edge 705: Finally!
Apr 11, 2008
Two mountain bikers are seen in mid-air as they jump over a barrier during a cycling event. In the background, a grassy landscape stretches out under a partly cloudy sky, with spectators watching from the side. A vehicle is parked along a nearby road.
Community
Sea Otter Classic
Apr 11, 2008
  1
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Fox Mid Ranger Shorts Review
Apr 10, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Biking or running? How about a little of both
Apr 7, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
MTB vs. Road Bike Helmets: What's the difference?
Apr 4, 2008
  1
Alt tag: "A map showing a trail outline in red, located near Lake Lafayette and Tom Brown Park, with surrounding geographical features labeled."
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain bike trails too often relegated to crap holes
Apr 3, 2008
  1
Culture
April MTB News Roundup
Apr 2, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Apple announces iBike
Apr 1, 2008
  3
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Culture
Mountain bike adventure, Bolivia
Mar 31, 2008
  1
Culture
Buffalo soldiers: The original off-road bikers
Mar 28, 2008
  3
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Mountain Bike Trails
Montana mountain bike trails at risk
Mar 27, 2008
  1
Mountain Bike Trails
The Florida mountain bike scene
Mar 26, 2008
  1
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain Biking Arkansas
Mar 25, 2008
Culture
Georgia mountain bike news
Mar 21, 2008
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain bike clubs
Mar 20, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Forerunner 205 Review
Mar 19, 2008
Community
Vermont Mountain Bike Summit
Mar 18, 2008
  1
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain biking Macon
Mar 18, 2008
Community
Ocala Spring Break Fat Tire Festival, Florida
Mar 17, 2008
  2
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Culture
Drivers: Watch for cyclists (and mountain bikers too)
Mar 13, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Community
Mountain biking the midwest this weekend
Mar 12, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Community
Mountain Bike Hashing
Mar 11, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Culture
Crack for MTB trade and more Alaska mountain biking
Mar 10, 2008
An online webpage featuring the logo of singletracks.com, displaying a blue silhouette map of the southeastern United States, specifically highlighting areas of South Carolina and surrounding states. The layout includes navigation links on the left in a yellow sidebar.
Community
singletracks v1.0: Mudhunny
Mar 7, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Culture
Mountain biking economics study released
Mar 6, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Culture
Downhilling in France; Women's clinic in Australia
Mar 5, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Culture
Alaska snow bike racing
Mar 4, 2008
A red and silver mountain bike with a sturdy frame, front suspension, and wide tires, positioned on a plain white background.
Culture
New Jersey seeks to outlaw the quick-release axle
Mar 3, 2008
  1
A circular logo featuring a laurel wreath, with the number "10" prominently displayed in the center. Below, the word "singletracks" is written in a bold, modern font. The color scheme is a muted blue, giving the design a clean and contemporary look.
Community
singletracks.com: The origin story
Feb 29, 2008
  1
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Mountain Bike Trails
10 great MTB trails in South Africa
Feb 28, 2008
Culture
Kona to donate 1,000 bikes to AfricaBike
Feb 27, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Culture
IMBA needs support for fresh Kentucky singletrack
Feb 27, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain Bike Only "ski resort" in New Hampshire
Feb 26, 2008
Logo of Shimano, a brand known for cycling components and fishing tackle, featuring the brand name in bold, uppercase letters against a plain background.
Culture
Pearl Izumi being sold to Shimano
Feb 25, 2008
If you've been reading the news lately you know staple food item prices are way up: the price of corn, for example, has risen 30 percent in the last year. There seem to be a number of reasons for the price increases, including increased demand for corn to produce ethanol and the higher fuel costs to transport crops, and it doesn't look like there will be any relief from high prices in the near future. All of this got me thinking about the cost of mountain bikes and whether we'll start to see prices increase for new rides (it always comes back to bikes for me ;) ). Anyway, these days bikes are being used as substitutes for motorized transportation: more folks are commuting to work via bicycle and in some places they're even using <a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/cargo_bikes_for_greener_busine/">bicycles as delivery vehicles</a>. So if we follow the corn example, increased demand from a different market segment (commuters) may increase the price in our market (hard core mountain bike junkies). Add in the increasing fuel cost of transporting bikes and components from Asia plus the recent jumps in steel and aluminum prices and we may be facing a steep increase in mountain bike prices. If you think about it, though, mountain bikers have had it pretty good all these years. The cost of bikes has been relatively steady while the technology and quality of our rigs have been increasing over time. I remember when people first started putting front shocks and their bikes in the 1990s and a crappy spring mounted shock would set you back $500-$600 and $1,000 would barely get you a hard tail with Y-brakes and a chromolly frame. Today you can get a solid dual suspension rig with disc brakes(!) and an aluminum frame for under a G - and the thing will last you for years! Hopefully we won't see any major price increases in the mountain bike market this year but if you're thinking about buying a new rig this might be the right time.
Mountain Bike Trails
Toronto Parks Department to develop city-wide mountain biking strategy
Feb 22, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Cannondale 29er 4 Test Ride
Feb 21, 2008