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 graphic showcasing a helmet at the top and four different helmet covers labeled as Izmir, Dublin, Paris, and Tokyo below. The design is sleek with a dark background, highlighting the options available for customizing the helmet.
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
  1
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
  1
Five cyclists in coordinating red and yellow cycling suits with "CHINA" printed on them stand beside their mountain bikes, while a man in a black jacket smiles in the middle. They are outdoors, likely preparing for a ride or photo opportunity.
  3
A cyclist in a yellow and black jersey races down a street during an event, while a young boy on another person's shoulders captures the moment with a camera. The scene is filled with spectators and a festive atmosphere, showcasing a mix of excitement and support for the cyclists.
  1
Label for Fat Tire Amber Ale featuring a vintage-style illustration of a red bicycle against a blue background with green vines and a tree. The text "Fat Tire" is prominently displayed at the top, along with brewing details at the bottom.
  5
Alt text: Two vending machines designed for bicycle parts, located at a Trek Stop. One machine is shown with a bicycle parked next to it, while the other features a person interacting with the vending machine. The machines are prominently labeled and situated in a well-lit outdoor area.
A mountain biker riding along a grassy trail with wildflowers, near a wooden cabin, set against a backdrop of snowy mountains and blue sky with scattered clouds.
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
A black bicycle pedal featuring a dual-sided design with stainless steel clips and a threaded attachment for easy installation. The pedal is branded with the name "LOOK" prominently displayed.
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Image of a Garmin Edge 205 cycling computer, displaying the main menu with options for history, training, navigation, and settings. The device is primarily black with a gray casing and features several buttons on the sides.
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Portrait of a male cyclist wearing a white and black cycling jersey featuring the logo "USA" on the front, with a neutral background. He has curly hair and is looking directly at the camera.
  1
Four male musicians posing for a photo with a red background. They are dressed in a mix of casual and semi-formal attire, with one wearing a cowboy hat, another in a fedora, and the rest in t-shirts and sweaters. The band's name, "Weezer," is displayed above them in a bright, stylized font.
  2
A person dressed in costume waves from the top of an oversized bicycle while another person rides on it and a third person runs alongside. The bicycle features large wheels and is set against a blurred outdoor background, suggesting motion.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by lush green forest, with tall trees lining both sides of the path. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant and inviting outdoor scene.
  1
A dark green t-shirt featuring the word "singletracks" in bold white letters, accompanied by a simple graphic logo resembling mountains. The shirt is displayed flat with short sleeves.
  1
Illustration from U.S. Patent 6,273,391 B1, showing mechanical diagrams of a bicycle brake system. The image includes two figures: FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, depicting different views of brake components attached to a bicycle wheel.
  1
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
A cyclist performing a mid-air jump on a bike above a large pit filled with foam cubes, inside a covered skatepark. In the background, a few people are observing the stunt.
  1
Stainless steel flask with a decorative engraved design, tilted at an angle, showing the cap and handle.
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain biker performing a jump off a wooden ramp, with a backdrop of a lively outdoor festival featuring flags from various countries, and a mountain landscape under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
  2
Logo of Marzocchi USA featuring a stylized red "M" and the word "marzocchi" in white, with "USA" in red, set against a dark grey background.
Illustration featuring the Jeep logo with the text "48STRAIGHT" above a colorful collage of silhouettes engaging in various activities related to sports, music, and community. The background includes symbols of sustainability and media, with vibrant colors representing diverse aspects of culture and community engagement.
  2
Image comparing an iPhone on the left and a Garmin Edge 705 cycling GPS device on the right, with "vs." text in the center, highlighting a technological comparison between a smartphone and a fitness device.
  8
A multi-tool bicycle repair kit featuring various tools, including wrenches and screwdrivers, arranged in an open position. The tool has a black and silver design with "TOPEAK" branding.
Five interlocking rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red, representing the Olympic Games logo on a white background.
A blue unicycle with a black seat and a large tire, standing upright against a white background.
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
  1
A close-up image of a blue bicycle wheel secured with a cable lock intertwined with a metal railing. The background shows a green lawn and a blue structure.
  7
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Table summarizing trail difficulty ratings with categories for rating, trail width, average trail grade, obstacles (roots/rocks), bridges, and other features. The ratings range from "Easiest" to "Extremely Difficult," detailing specific measurements and conditions for each level.
Graphic text logo for "Iron Mountain" featuring a bold, metallic font with the words "bike race" underneath, set against a black background.
A group of people working in a forested area, with one person in a red shirt using a shovel to dig into the soil on a slope, while two others are visible digging in the background. The scene is surrounded by tall trees and greenery, indicating a natural outdoor environment.
A narrow dirt path winding through a lush green forest, flanked by tall trees and dense undergrowth. A trail marker is visible on the left side of the path. The scene is bright and sunny, highlighting the vibrant foliage.
  2
A red bicycle with a flat front tire lies abandoned on a sandy surface, leaning against a tree. In the background, an apartment building is visible, partially obscured by a green fence. The scene suggests neglect and disrepair.
  2
A winding dirt path cuts through a grassy hillside with scattered rocks, surrounded by lush green trees on one side and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
  2
A mountain biker in a blue and white outfit races downhill on a dirt trail through a forest, leaning sharply into a turn. Spectators can be seen in the background, watching the action. The scene is filled with greenery, highlighting the outdoor setting.
Logo of the Cactus Cup, featuring a stylized cactus design in the center, surrounded by colorful layers of red, green, and blue, with the words "CACTUS CUP" prominently displayed in red at the top and bottom.
  1
Alt text: "Promotional flyer for the 2008 Trail to Trail Race Series featuring event details for mountain biking and road racing, including dates, locations, and sponsorship information."
  2
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
  3
Logo of BikePedia, featuring bold blue text with green accents and an orange sun motif.
I came across this one in the current <a href="http://www.springwise.com/style_design/stylish_helmets_for_urban_cycl/">Springwise newsletter</a>: A Dutch company is marketing stylish helmet covers for the venerable brain bucket. As you can see from the <a href="http://www.yakkay.com/uk/">YAKKA</a> diagram the helmet is a simple BMX/skate style lid that is compatible with various cover styles. Right now the company is targeting urban riders and the helmet/cover combo isn't cheap: $120 for the helmet plus $60 for a single cover.

<img alt="helmet-covers.jpg" id="image1060" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=