Originally Posted by
Aeroplane
Mountain biking is very different from biking on the road.
Yes it is, but the roads in my area aren't pristine city streets. We've got a lot of sand and gravel around here (even in town-- it sits around for months after being applied in the Winter) and I use the rear brake extensively, as well as the front. It's all about having options to apply to the situation. I can think of at least two twisty downhill streets where I use the rear brake almost exclusively.
Originally Posted by
Aeroplane
You still shouldn't use your rear brake a lot when mountain biking unless you absolutely have to (technical descents, rough downhills, etc.) because it tears the hell out of the trails.
You're right about rear braking wrecking trails-- I built trail for a couple of years, and it ruined me on Mtn. biking forever. Braking tears thing up worse, but Mtn. biking is pretty destructive in general.