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 cyclist wearing a bright red long-sleeve jacket and black shorts is standing beside his mountain bike, looking down at a device on the handlebars. The scene is set in a wooded area with rocky terrain and foliage in the background, indicating an outdoor adventure.
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Mountain bike with a lightweight titanium frame, featuring modern suspension components, disc brakes, and knobby tires, displayed against a black background.
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Two mountain bikers stand on a rocky landscape, smiling while holding their bikes. They are wearing helmets and protective gear. In the background, there are rugged terrains and trees. The image features the "Subaru Trail Care Crew" logo and a slogan that reads "I Hate Bikes."
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A black and red pump with a padded grip, resting on a bed of dry, brown leaves. The pump features a pressure gauge and a flexible hose, showcasing its sturdy design and functionality in an outdoor setting.
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A large outdoor play area featuring natural elements such as logs and wooden paths built into a dirt surface. The setting includes several sections with strategically placed logs and mounds, surrounded by green trees and grass in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
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A winding dirt road curves through a forested area featuring tall, bare trees and scattered autumn leaves. In the background, a small stream flows over rocks, bordered by a slope of earth and vegetation. The scene captures a tranquil natural setting in a wooded environment.
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A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery, with a logo for the Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE) displayed at the top.
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Screenshot of a webpage from Singletracks featuring a review of the Ellsworth Truth mountain bike. The page displays the bike's specifications, user reviews, pros and cons, and an editor's review, including details about its design and performance, alongside advertisements and navigation options.
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A cheerful mascot in a blue dress and a large bow, waving from a decorated float during a parade. The character has oversized ears and a big smile, embodying a playful and welcoming presence.
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A close-up view of a Garmin Edge 705 cycling computer mounted on a bike handlebar, displaying an elevation reading of 821 feet. The screen shows a graphical representation of the terrain. The bike's handlebar and gear shift are also visible in the image.
5 min
A silver bicycle decorated with a large red bow stands next to a Christmas tree adorned with blue and gold ornaments. The scene is set in a cozy room with wooden floors and a patterned rug.
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Two Blackburn bicycle pumps resting on a bed of dry, fallen leaves. The pumps are black with silver detailing, showcasing the Blackburn logo prominently. One pump is partially extended, while the other is fully collapsed. The autumn leaves in the background provide a natural setting.
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A cyclist in a black outfit and race number 59 loses control and falls in a snowy landscape, with a bike flipping in the air. Red and white tape marks the course in the background against a clear blue sky.
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A decorative wall piece featuring an abstract relief sculpture of a cyclist, framed within a rectangular shape, set against an oval textured background. The sculpture has metallic tones, highlighting the figure in motion.
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Promotional image for Ellsworth Bikes offering a $250 discount on USA-made bicycles for the holiday season. The image includes several pieces of text detailing the promotion, instructions for redeeming the offer, and a certificate for the discount. The layout features a header with the Ellsworth logo, a festive message, and a call to action encouraging customers to take advantage of the deal.
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A close-up view of a muddy bicycle, focusing on the saddle and rear frame, with a blue sky and fluffy clouds in the background.
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A holiday gift guide for mountain biking enthusiasts, featuring a selection of products organized by price categories: under $25, under $50, and under $100. Items include clothing, accessories, and gear such as a bike T-shirt, tires, tools, apparel, and hydration packs. The guide is designed for easy navigation, with images and brief descriptions for each item.
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A Garmin Edge 305 cycling computer displaying elapsed time, distance, and speed is shown alongside a map and elevation profile of a cycling route. Below, there is a table listing two activities, including the dates, locations, types of activities (mountain biking and running), distances, average speeds, and corresponding times.
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A black mountain bike with a sleek frame, front suspension fork, and disc brakes. The bike features wide tires suitable for off-road trails and a modern design ideal for mountain biking enthusiasts.
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Map of Cochran Shoals, Sope Creek, and Powers Island within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta, Georgia. The map highlights various trails, including biking trails marked in red, as well as areas for pedestrians, parking, and other facilities. The legend provides information on trail difficulty and usage restrictions.
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Close-up image of a black mesh fabric featuring round, padded sections. The fabric is characterized by a series of circular cutouts that allow for ventilation, and the padded sections are designed in contrasting colors. The material also includes decorative stripes along the edges.
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Poster for the 5th Annual Le Tour de Tryptophan event, featuring decorative swirls and elegant typography. The event details include "24 Hours of the Fullerton Loop," scheduled for November 28-29, 2008, with activities from Friday noon to Saturday noon. It is organized to benefit the So Cal Interscholastic Cycling League, with a $30 donation suggested. Additional notes mention the meeting location at the Upper Lot of the Fullerton Courthouse and state that it is a non-event with no insurance or guarantees, encouraging participants to enjoy the experience.
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Alt text: A promotional flyer for the Winter Holiday Shootout Series at Vail Lake Resort in Temecula, California. The flyer includes event details: race dates on November 8, November 29, and January 3, registration information, an entry fee of $35, and mentions a chance to win a Cannondale mountain bike. Logos of sponsors are also displayed.
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A wooded area with a wooden ramp leading down to a dirt bike track. A warning sign is visible on a tree, and a group of cyclists is gathered at the base of the ramp near the track. The scene is surrounded by trees, with a rocky hillside in the background.
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Two mountain bikes are displayed side by side, both featuring an olive green frame. The bike on the left showcases a classic design with a prominent suspension system, while the bike on the right has a more modern frame and streamlined features. Both bikes are equipped with thick, rugged tires suitable for off-road terrain.
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A mountain bike featuring a bronze-colored aluminum frame, front suspension fork, and knobby tires suitable for off-road terrain. The bike is shown from a side angle, displaying its gear system and disc brakes.
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A close-up of a person smiling while holding a hand of playing cards, showing an Ace, King, and a pair of eights in hearts, with a blurred natural background.
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A bright green bicycle frame with a distinctive design, featuring a rear shock absorber and branded with the name "Morewood." The frame is angled to highlight its structure against a gradient black background.
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Two SRAM double-tap shifters in silver with black accents, featuring a curved lever design, displayed on a counter. Cables are attached, and part of a bicycle component is visible in the foreground.
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A group of mountain bikers competing in a race, captured in motion as they accelerate across a grassy field. Several participants are wearing colorful jerseys and helmets, with numbers displayed on their bikes. Spectators can be seen in the background, watching the race. Trees line the background, suggesting an outdoor event.
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A man wearing a black 'LIVESTRONG' t-shirt with a yellow logo, looking slightly to the side with a focused expression. The background is plain and uncluttered.
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A streamlined, futuristic vehicle speeding along a deserted road with mountains in the background, showcasing a vast, open landscape. The vehicle features a smooth, aerodynamic design with a white upper half and a black lower half, suggesting a focus on efficiency and speed.
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A mountain biker riding through a lush green meadow, with a background of tall trees and snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky.
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A dog wearing a black helmet, showcasing its profile and floppy ears.
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A group of cyclists and spectators gathered at a mountainous location, with some individuals holding a banner that reads "Powered by Chipotle." The scene captures the enthusiasm of cycling fans, with colorful flags and team jerseys visible, as they cheer on participants in a cycling event.
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Map of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, showing marked trails, scenic areas, and surrounding roads. The map highlights various points of interest and includes symbols for amenities and features within the area.
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A silhouette of a person riding a bicycle on a hill against a backdrop of a dusk sky filled with soft clouds and tree outlines.
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Image of two mountain bikes side by side on a white background. The left bike has a more robust frame and thicker tires, while the right bike is sleeker with narrow tires. Above the bikes, there is a green map outline of the United States.
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A humorous illustration comparing four political figures to different types of bicycles, with each figure accompanied by a bike that symbolically represents them. The top features one figure pairing with a red road bike, the second with a black commuter bike, the third with a vintage penny-farthing, and the fourth with a children's tricycle.
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Aerial view of a tranquil lake surrounded by lush green forests, with a sandy beach and boats along the shore. The scene captures the clear blue water transitioning to lighter shades near the shoreline, framed by rocky outcrops in the foreground.
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Two mountain bikers navigate a dirt track during a competitive race. One rider, wearing a blue helmet and black and yellow gear, leans into a turn, kicking up dust, while the other biker, dressed in black and white, closely trails behind. Spectators can be seen in the background, enjoying the event under a clear blue sky.
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A sleek, minimalist bicycle with a shiny gold frame, featuring a brown leather saddle and handlebars. The wheels have striking gold accents, set against a dark background that highlights the bicycle's design and elegant curves.
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A mountain bike race scene featuring two cyclists navigating a turn. One cyclist in a blue jersey and helmet is leading, while another in a red and white jersey trails closely behind. Spectators are on the sidelines, including a woman taking a photo. The background shows a blue sky and a fence with a Hyundai advertisement.
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<a href="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/long-sleeve-mtb-jersey.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1556" title="long-sleeve-mtb-jersey" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/long-sleeve-mtb-jersey.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></a>

Every year I tell myself I'm gonna do more winter mountain biking and every year I come up with new excuses, all of which have to do with not wanting to freeze my ass off. My aversion to cold weather riding is so intense and so deep that it even affects my summer riding schedule. To whit: I've been wanting to ride <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=48">Oak Mountain State Park</a> in Alabama for some time but over the summer I told myself I should stick to north Georgia rides and save more "southern" rides for winter months when I don't dare bike north of Atlanta. Fortunately this year I picked up two new items that should help melt away those excuses: the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mtbreviews/Novara/Arosa/1403.html">Novara Arosa Jersey</a> and <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mtbreviews/Novara/Thermal-Tech-Beanie/1404.html">Thermal Tech Beanie</a> from REI.

I've said it here before and I'll certainly say it again: having the right clothing makes all the difference when it comes to mountain biking in the winter. The Novara Arosa Jersey is a pretty simple long sleeve jersey made from 90% polyester meaning it will keep more than half its insulating value even after it gets wet or muddy. The jersey is amazingly comfortable and features a full length zipper to control ventilation, making it a great outer layer that can be easily shed later in the ride. Mine fits great despite my freakishly tall and skinny torso and since it's an REI-branded jersey it's a great value (especially when you factor in the 20%-off any single item deal they're running at the moment). Plus, this jersey also gets props for being low maintenance and high quality - just toss it in the wash after you ride.

<img class="alignnone" src="http://www.singletracks.com/images/gear/1404-1227636998.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" />

The <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mtbreviews/Novara/Thermal-Tech-Beanie/1404.html">Novara Tech Beanie</a> is actually really awesome if you think about it: a thermal hat meant to fit <em>under</em> your bike helmet. Now I've heard that up to 30% of your body's heat loss can occur through the head and although I don't know if this is accurate, I do know I feel much warmer when I wear a hat on cold days. Mountain bike helmets are generally designed to provide maximum ventilation but in the winter this can work against you. After adjusting my helmet straps a little I was able to fit the Tech Beanie under my helmet comfortably and - bonus - it even covers my ears at the same time! On a <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=1524">recent ride in the mountains</a> last weekend where temperatures were well below freezing the Tech Beanie was a little <em>too</em> toasty - but I stuck it in my Camelbak just in case. At $18 this is easily the most heating value you'll find for winter mountain biking under 20 bucks.

I've also heard a good bit of heat can be lost around your neck and while I haven't seen mountain biking scarfs yet (though I'm sure they exist somewhere) I'd be a little afraid of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isadora_Duncan">Isadora Duncan</a>-ing on the trail. Fortunately most long sleeve jerseys like the Arosa have extended collars you can zip all the way up to keep out the cold air. Obviously gloves are good for keeping digits warm and I've found <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mtbreviews/Specialized/BG-Ridge/1311.html">the same full finger gloves</a> I use in the summer work well for winter riding too. I haven't tried toe covers yet but I'm pretty sure with a pair of those I'd be unstoppable all winter long.

Yep, getting out on the trail in winter really isn't as painful as you might imagine, especially with a few key pieces of winter clothing. Stay tuned to the blog this season as we serve up more cold weather riding tips and motivational pieces about our favorite winter rides.
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A sleek, modern mountain bike featuring a black and red frame, front suspension, and advanced gear components. The bike is positioned against a plain white background, highlighting its design and features.
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Image alt tag: A promotional poster for the Pixie Cross World Championship featuring two cyclists racing on 16-inch bicycles in a colorful, lively environment. The poster includes event details such as the date (Saturday, July 12th), location (Downtown Downieville, next to the fire station), and a description of the open class event. Graphics include the WTB logo and striking typography.
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