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
 
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A close-up of a bike handlebar with a GPS device displaying a map. The screen shows battery life at 85%, the time at 12:45, and route information with distance markers. The background features greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a wooded area, wearing a red plaid shirt and black pants. The bike features thick tires and a durable frame, navigating through a landscape with scattered rocks and fallen leaves.
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Close-up of a bicycle frame featuring the brand name "Hudski" in a light green font. The bike is positioned in a natural outdoor setting, with greenery in the background and sandy ground visible. The image captures details of the bike's design, including the textured tire and part of the braking system.
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a wooded area, surrounded by trees and leaf-covered ground. The cyclist is leaning into the turn, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, with a focus on navigating the uneven terrain.
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A gray CamelBak bike bag is secured to the handlebars of a mountain bike, with a water bottle holder attached. The background features a wooded area, visible undergrowth, and a trail marker.
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A close-up image of a mountain bike tire displayed in a retail setting. The tire features a textured tread pattern designed for off-road traction, and is partially positioned within a display showcasing bike accessories in the background. Bright lighting highlights the details of the tire against a backdrop of promotional materials.
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Close-up of a mountain bike wheel featuring a Schwalbe tire, a black rim, and a bright pink valve. In the background, visible text highlights features such as a silicone top cover that protects a tracker, emphasizing performance and ease of use for riders.
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Close-up image of a bicycle's head tube featuring a logo with a flying bird and a crown, set against a light sandy background. The bike frame is metallic with intricate detailing and black cables visible in the foreground.
A high-performance Pinarello Dogma mountain bike with a white and gold frame, featuring the brand name "Pinarello" prominently displayed. The bike is positioned on lush green grass, surrounded by wildflowers and trees in the background. The tires are designed for rough terrain, and the bike showcases various high-end components, including a visible rear derailleur and a suspension system.
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A turquoise mountain bike positioned against a textured gray wall. The bike features wide tires and a sleek frame with a prominent suspension fork, showcasing its design for off-road use. The background is a simple concrete surface.
A mountain biker performs a trick on their bike amidst tall trees in a forest. The rider is wearing a helmet and is focused on the trail, with the bike's front wheel lifted off the ground. The scene captures the natural beauty of the woods, highlighting the action and energy of mountain biking.
A black mountain bike fork resting on a bed of autumn leaves, positioned against a stone wall. The fork features a sleek design with visible branding and red accents.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a wooded area, airborne as they leap over a large rock. Surrounding trees have bare branches with some early signs of spring, while the ground is covered with fallen leaves.
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A cyclist riding a gravel bike on a forest trail covered with fallen leaves. The bike features a bright orange frame and distinct tires suitable for off-road riding. The cyclist is wearing black cycling attire and red cycling shoes, with one hand gripping the handlebars. A water bottle is mounted on the bike frame. The background includes lush green foliage, indicating a natural outdoor setting.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike frame featuring a purple and black design, with a RockShox Deluxe Ultimate shock absorber attached. The background consists of dry grass, emphasizing the outdoor setting.
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A close-up of an Opinel folding saw resting on a textured stone surface, partially surrounded by green leaves. The saw features a serrated stainless steel blade and a light wooden handle, which is engraved with the brand name "Opinel" and "Savoie France." The image captures the tool in a natural outdoor setting.
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A mountain biker in a black and pink jersey performs a jump over a ramp in an outdoor setting, with greenery and a lake in the background. Blue skies with scattered clouds are overhead, and the terrain is dry with patches of grass.
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A mountain bike in a lush forest setting, leaning on a large fallen tree trunk. The bike features a green frame, gold-colored front forks, and thick tires suitable for rugged terrain, surrounded by greenery and moss.
A smiling cyclist wearing a black and green cycling jersey and helmet is riding a mountain bike on a grassy trail, with a blurred background of other cyclists and a scenic rural landscape featuring fields and barns.
A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a wooded area, wearing a red and black plaid shirt and black pants. The bike features a prominently visible front wheel and suspension system, and the scene is illuminated by bright sunlight, highlighting the greenery and rocky terrain around.
Close-up of a bicycle's rear cassette and derailleur, featuring intricate gear teeth design against a blurred background, highlighting the bike's red frame.
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A mountain bike resting on a grassy hillside, overlooking a lush green landscape with trees and a serene river. Rolling hills and cloudy skies are visible in the background, creating a peaceful outdoor scene.
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Close-up view of a bicycle tire with a visible logo, resting on green grass. The image highlights the texture of the tire and the surrounding natural environment.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over a rocky outcrop on a forest trail, surrounded by tall trees and autumn leaves, under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing an orange shirt, gray shorts, and a helmet.
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A digital scale displaying a weight of 16.13 while weighing a bicycle saddle, suspended from a hook in a garage setting. In the background, bike parts and storage containers are partially visible.
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Close-up view of the rear wheel and gear system of a blue mountain bike, set on a dirt path surrounded by greenery. The bike features a rugged tire with visible tread patterns, a chain, and a derailleur. A small backpack is attached to the bike frame, and the background shows blurred trees and foliage.
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Close-up of a bicycle rim labeled "Roval," laying on a bed of autumn leaves and dirt, surrounded by small patches of grass and greenery.
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A person wearing a helmet and an orange shirt is riding a mountain bike on a dirt path surrounded by tall trees in a forest. The ground is covered with pine needles, and there are some brown leaves on the trees, indicating a late autumn or early winter setting.
Mountain bike frame in a sleek black design, showcasing a modern suspension system. The frame is positioned against a dark background, emphasizing its angular lines and engineering details.
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A close-up of hands demonstrating a detailed discussion or analysis of a small mechanical component, likely in a workshop environment. One hand holds a cylindrical piece with visible markings, while the other gestures expressively, indicating explanation or instruction. Tools and materials are subtly visible in the background, creating a focused, hands-on atmosphere.
A diagram illustrating the geometry of a mountain bike frame, with labeled measurements including Effective Top Tube (ETT), Reach, Head Tube Angle (HTA), Stack, Seat Tube Angle (STA), Chainstay, Bottom Bracket Height, and Wheelbase. The frame is depicted in a simplified silhouette format.
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