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 person is standing outdoors, wearing a gray plaid button-up shirt over a red henley shirt. They are holding sunglasses in one hand, adjusting the button on their shirt. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting a natural setting.
Close-up of a white bicycle frame, showing two black screws attached to the tube and a red water bottle cap nearby. The background features blurred greenery and natural ground.
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A mountain biker navigating a rugged trail through a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and lush green ferns. The rider is airborne, showcasing skill and control as they maneuver over a rough patch of terrain.
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A close-up view of a black gear with multiple teeth, surrounded by smaller components including a ring and a washer, all resting on a textured concrete surface. The gear features a central bearing assembly, and the composition highlights the mechanical parts against a neutral background.
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A close-up image of a smartphone mounted on a bike handlebar, showcasing a unique attachment mechanism against a backdrop of trees and greenery. The phone features a green case and is positioned at an angle to highlight its camera and mounting system.
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A cyclist expertly navigates a winding mountain bike trail through a lush forest, showcasing a vibrant pink bike. The rider is focused, wearing a helmet and casual sports attire, as they maneuver around natural obstacles like fallen trees and rocky terrain, surrounded by greenery and dappled sunlight.
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A crowd of excited spectators gathered outdoors, many holding up their phones and cameras to capture the moment. Some individuals are holding a blue and white flag, while others are cheering and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The backdrop features trees and a blue sky, creating a vibrant setting for the event.
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A sign indicating an "Alternate Line" on a forest trail, with an arrow pointing to the right. The background features green trees and foliage, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.
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A close-up of a wrist wearing a smartwatch, displaying activity data including floors climbed and total elevation. The background is a blurred green foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting. The watch features a dark face with colorful metrics visible, and a striped fabric band.
Close-up view of a yellow mountain bike's drivetrain, featuring a SRAM XX1 crankset with a silver chainring, chain, and pedal. The bike frame shows detail in its design and construction, with a blurred green background suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A small white drone flying over a lush green path surrounded by trees, capturing aerial views of the landscape.
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A close-up view of a silver mechanical part, possibly a bicycle derailleur or a similar component, set against a black metal grid surface. The part features intricate designs, showcasing gears and levers, with bolts and a sleek metallic finish.
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Close-up of a bicycle wheel hub with spokes radiating outward, set against a blurred natural background. The hub features a black and silver design, showcasing the details of the connection points where the spokes meet.
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Crowd gathered at a biking event in the Tweed Valley, with mountains in the background. A large screen displays event information, and tents are set up nearby. The atmosphere is lively, with spectators enjoying the scenic outdoors.
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Entrance fee station sign located in a wooded area, displaying text in English and Spanish. The sign lists various entrance fees and payment methods for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Nearby structures include fee deposit boxes and informational boards, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
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Close-up of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, showcasing the GRX branding on the derailleur and a detailed view of the gear teeth and chain.
A close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring a water bottle holder by REI Co-op, with a water bottle inserted. The background shows a lush, green forest, indicating an outdoor setting. The handlebar also displays gear shift and brake components.
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A person riding a mountain bike down a rocky, forested trail, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. The rider is wearing a helmet and sunglasses, focused on navigating the terrain.
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A close-up view of a black bicycle cog assembly placed on a wooden workbench, surrounded by bicycle chain links and tools. The cog features an intricate design with openings that give it a lightweight appearance, highlighting its mechanical details.
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A close-up view of a pair of black cycling shoes with a Boa closure system, showing some dirt and wear. The shoes feature Velcro straps and small branding details, with a concrete surface in the background.
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A man wearing a black helmet and sleeveless shirt is sitting on the ground in a grassy outdoor area, holding a green water bottle. He appears to be taking a break from biking, with tall grass and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
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Mountain biking in a scenic forest trail with autumn foliage. Three cyclists navigate a winding path covered in fallen leaves, surrounded by trees that highlight the vibrant colors of the season. The image features a title at the top: "Mountain Bike Trail Development: Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process."
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear cassette and chain, showcasing detailed gear teeth and a portion of the bike's frame. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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Alt text: Close-up of a vibrant pink bicycle frame featuring a playful white rabbit sticker on the head tube, with a blurred wooden fence and grass in the background.
A man standing in a lush green forest, wearing sunglasses and an orange t-shirt paired with blue shorts. He is looking off into the distance, surrounded by trees and foliage. The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant, natural backdrop.
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