The terrain I ride on is mostly gravel. Whenever I use my rear brake, either low or high speeds, the rear of the bike tends to fishtail alot. I know its because of the rear wheel locking up. So, Ive gotten used to using my front brake more often. But, when should the rear brake be used?

I use about 70% front brake and 30% rear most of the time. Using more front brake gives you much more control while descending. The only time I use ONLY my rear brake, is when I dropping down a section and want to change my line. I tap the rear brake and simultaneously shift my body weight in the direction I want to go. The rear brake pulse will shift the bike into the new line. Other than that, I can't really think of when you would use just the rear.

L8R

Front brake has the raw power. Rear brake is good for supplementing the front brake to a limited extent, or for "finesse" moves like scrubbing off a little speed on fast singletrack, where you want your front wheel to be able to roll freely so it doesn't slide out.

Ideally, riding so you don't skid is best for the trails, so just keep riding and practicing your brake technique

I'm still a newbie to mountain biking, but I've logged a lot of time on my bike this past month. I primarily ride single track, and have learned not to use the front brake when turning. I use the rear brake while turning, but I don't lock it up. For steep declines, and straight stopping, I primarily use the front brake.

MSD

wouldnt this cause "flying-over-the-handlebars" accidents?

Hehe... when I was about 8 years old, my dad was letting me use an electric jigsaw to cut a letter "T" out of some wood.

My mom saw me holding the jigsaw and immediately confronted Dad. "He might cut his arm off or something!"

Dad said, "I think he'd stop before he got all the way through "

With the front brake, you don't HAVE to just "go all the way through" if the rear wheel is lifting. Either shift your weight to the rear by sliding back on the saddle (should be doing this already if you're braking that hard) or ease up on the brake to put the rear wheel back down.

let me add a practical piece of advice: find a steep grassy slope, like maybe a hill at a city park, and go down it slowly while experimenting with this. Apply the front brake hard enough to make the rear wheel lift, then ease off so it sets down. Or slide back off the rear of the saddle so your center of gravity is low and rearward, and observe how hard it is to flip the bike that way.

thats what i thought too.. could someone explain this? cause i have been mainly using my rear brakes since i am so scared of my front

slick, take the rear brake off. That way you have no choice but to use the front

Im kidding by the way.

damn too late i already took it off. i should have read the bottom

Im kidding by the way

As mechBgon mentions, you shift your weight towards the back. On the declines, I'll come off the seat and put most of my weight over the rear wheel.

MSD

A lot of advice from "the experts" suggests that you should try riding using only your front brake for a few rides. I've tried it. Its quite fun.

Seriously, you tried it? I think Ill try it too, wish me luck =)

It makes things interesting. I have done 3 things. front only, rear only and none just for kicks

Ya Man, you learn very fast to force your weight behind the saddle, lest you go over the bars!