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
 
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Can a bike be a lemon?
Feb 11, 2008
Top-down view of a bicycle handlebar with a gloved hand gripping the left side. Two GPS devices are mounted on the handlebars, with one styled for biking and the other for outdoor navigation. The background features a forest trail covered in brown leaves.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin GPSMap 60Cx review
Feb 8, 2008
  1
Abstract image featuring a 3D graph overlaying a terrain model with a bicycle, possibly indicating data analysis or mapping in an outdoor or cycling context. The letters "IBP" are prominently displayed in the foreground.
MTB Tips
Comparing mountain bike trails
Feb 7, 2008
  1
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
Bikochondriacs
Feb 6, 2008
Map displaying a topographic view with plotted hiking routes highlighted in yellow. The left panel lists various active logs with dates and points, while the map features terrain contours, trail markers, and landmarks, including "Captain Jack" and "Stonewall Fall."
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin MapSource Review
Feb 5, 2008
A mountain biker performing a jump on a trail surrounded by bare trees in a forest setting. The ground is covered with leaves, and the scene depicts a sunny day with clear skies.
Mountain Bike Trails
Dauset Trails Ride Report
Feb 4, 2008
Two mountain bikers are seen in mid-air, jumping over a barrier with a logo in the foreground. A grassy hillside and spectators in the background suggest an outdoor biking event, with rolling hills and a cloudy sky visible.
Community
Sea Otter Classic is world's largest cycling event?
Jan 31, 2008
A DVD cover featuring a woman in cycling apparel, smiling and positioned on an exercise bike. The title reads "Cycle - All Terrain with Brooke Hayward," and the logo for Softride is displayed at the bottom. The background is a gradient, enhancing the focus on the cyclist.
Culture
All Terrain Cycling becomes Mountain Biking
Jan 30, 2008
  1
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
Lance Armstrong loses mountain bike race
Jan 29, 2008
  1
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
West Virginia faces loss of bike trails in wilderness bill
Jan 25, 2008
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Community
Snow MTB racing in Maine
Jan 24, 2008
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
24-hour mountain bike racing: Solo!
Jan 24, 2008
A black bicycle helmet displayed on a mannequin head, featuring built-in blue LED lights for enhanced visibility. The helmet has mesh ventilation and adjustable straps.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Beret Helmet
Jan 23, 2008
  1
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
Winter MTB News Round-up
Jan 22, 2008
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
Mountain biking in January is rough
Jan 21, 2008
A folding handsaw with a serrated blade and a red rubber grip handle. The blade features text indicating "RAZOR SHARP TEETH."
Community
MLK Day of Service: Trail work
Jan 17, 2008
Close-up of a newspaper article titled "Money &," featuring a vintage style and sepia tones. The text suggests a focus on financial news and market trends.
Culture
Mountain Bike Investments: Stocks for 2008
Jan 16, 2008
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
MTB News Round Up: January 15, 2008
Jan 15, 2008
Image of a mountain bike with highlighted components featuring Thomson seatpost and stem. The text at the bottom reads "State of the Art Seatposts & Stems."
Community
Thomson Appreciation Day: This Saturday, January 19
Jan 14, 2008
An image of the flag of the United States, featuring 13 alternating horizontal stripes of red and white, with a blue canton containing 50 white stars arranged in nine rows.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bikes: More expensive than a dirt bike
Jan 11, 2008
A black cylindrical device with a sleek design, featuring the text "VidiR" on its surface. It has two horizontal slots and an orange indicator. The device is likely a type of camera accessory or mount.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike tech at CES this week
Jan 10, 2008
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
Riding across Asia on a mountain bike
Jan 10, 2008
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
Green mountain biking
Jan 9, 2008
  4
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Community
Trips for Kids to Host Tenth Annual "Brews, Bikes and Bucks" Event
Jan 8, 2008
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
MTB Tips
Setting goals: Epic rides in 2008
Jan 7, 2008
  2
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
Vacuum-sealed MTB shoes AND riding at night without lights
Jan 4, 2008
  1
Retro mobile phone graphic beside the word "GO" in bold, stylized font, conveying a sense of action or movement.
Culture
Find a trail, buy a helmet - On your phone!
Jan 3, 2008
  1
A winding dirt path through a forest, surrounded by trees and dense foliage. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and sunlight filters through the branches, casting shadows along the trail. The path leads into the distance, inviting exploration.
Mountain Bike Trails
Stonewall Falls Ride Report
Jan 2, 2008
  2
A magazine advertisement showcasing the Bridgestone Almost Custom MB-4 bicycle. The image features a cyclist wearing a red shirt and helmet, riding on a wooded path. The ad includes text promoting the bike’s quality and affordability, alongside the Bridgestone logo.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike from the dead
Dec 31, 2007
  2
A mountain biker in a blue outfit leans into a turn on a dirt trail, showcasing dynamic movement on a rocky path. In the background, spectators watch from the sidelines amidst a forested setting.
Community
MTB Predictions for 2008
Dec 28, 2007
  1
Community
Mountain biking in 2007: A review
Dec 26, 2007
Image alt text: Promotional poster for the Baja Epic Mountain Bike Race, scheduled for November 5-8, 2008, in Baja California, Mexico. The poster features an athlete on a bicycle with the number 608 displayed on the bike.
Community
Baja Epic Multi-stage Mountain Bike Race
Dec 24, 2007
Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar with a digital cycling computer mounted on it, displaying speed and distance metrics on a screen. The device is secured with rubber straps and features a sleek design.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Rear-view camera for your bike
Dec 21, 2007
Two mountain bikers riding along a dirt path surrounded by greenery. One rider is wearing a blue jersey and white shorts, while the other is further up the path in a black shirt. There are signs and foliage lining the trail.
MTB Tips
Mountain biking for fitness in 2008
Dec 20, 2007
  1
Close-up view of a damaged computer motherboard showing burn marks and melted components. Wires appear singed, and blackened residue is present around the area of damage.
Community
Singletracks is all better now
Dec 20, 2007
A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail. They are wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and a dark jacket, with shorts and gloves. The background features dry grass and trees, indicating an outdoor setting.
Culture
Ride along with the Prez
Dec 19, 2007
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
SF mountain biker finalist for National Hero Award
Dec 18, 2007
A large hillside with the letters "LU" prominently displayed in white and burgundy, surrounded by lush green trees under a bright sky.
Mountain Bike Trails
Liberty University to develop mountain bike trails
Dec 14, 2007
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Mountain Bike Trails
No such thing as a Free Lunch - until now!
Dec 12, 2007
A man sitting on a rocky surface under a bridge, wearing a red sweatshirt and gray pants, with a blue bicycle leaning against a wall beside him.
Culture
Bike shop helps out homeless man with new mountain bike
Dec 11, 2007
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
Mountain Biking: A second coming
Dec 10, 2007
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According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
California wildfires impact bike companies
Dec 7, 2007
A blue and black mountain bike with a modern design, featuring front suspension, disc brakes, and a gear system. The bike is positioned against a white background, highlighting its sleek frame and components.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
3 of the best mountain bikes?
Dec 7, 2007
A white and black dirt bike is parked on a rocky terrain, showcasing its rugged tires and lightweight design. The bike is positioned on a black stand, with a backdrop of red rock formations and dry grass, emphasizing its off-road capabilities.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike + Motorcycle = Rad
Dec 6, 2007
Magellan Triton GPS device featuring a color touchscreen display with navigation options including Waypoint, Place, Trail, Geocache, Route, and Trips. The device has an orange and black ergonomic design, with a circular navigation button and control keys.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
The Magellan Triton 2000 GPS
Nov 29, 2007
Map of Colorado Springs, Colorado, displayed in Google Maps interface, showing terrain features and nearby search options.
Culture
Google Maps adds terrain
Nov 28, 2007
Compact handheld GPS device displaying a colorful map on its screen, featuring a rugged design with buttons on the side.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
What's on your holiday wish list? Fox forks and bikes that start with 'S'
Nov 27, 2007
According to the online legal dictionary, a lemon is "a car that gives you serious trouble soon after you buy it." Many states even have lemon laws to protect buyers from being stuck with a defective vehicle but what about bikes? Could a bike be a lemon? I never really considered this idea myself until hearing about a friend's issues with a new Giant FS bike. After just two rides my friend's crank was giving him trouble so he took it back to the shop where he purchased the bike. The shop gladly replaced the crank since it appeared to be defective and my friend took the bike into the parking lot to give it a spin. At this point one of the shifter assemblies exploded. Back to the shop, replace the shifter. Shortly after receiving the new crank and shifter, I rode with my friend and heard the horrific popping/grinding noise his front derailleur made whenever he applied pressure to the pedals (like on a climb). That's 3 strikes for the bike in my opinion, especially for one that's less than a month old with only a few trail rides on its tires. If it were me I'd ask to exchange the bike to get a fresh start and see if the problems continue. But since I'm a betting man I'd say the odds are the next bike will have the same issues. Why? Well for starters, it will be the same bike model with the same medium quality components and design. Even if my friend decided to upgrade the bike one level, I think he'd still have problems since the same guys who assembled his first bike will assemble this one. In fact assembly error is perhaps the most likely culprit in causing any mechanical issues with a brand new bike. Sure you'll get a bad part every once in a while but to have an entire bike full of faulty components is rare in the $300+ price range. So once again, Lance was right--it's not about the bike--this time it's probably about the mechanic!
Culture
Bike company case study: Raleigh
Nov 26, 2007