Disc Brakes for front a bad idea for touring?

[ShrinkT00b]

Hello All,

   I am new to the community. I am in the middle of planning a PCT bike trip in 2019. I have a frame, the Surly Cross Check. I figure I can obtain a different fork with the necessary mounting holes for a disc brake on the front only, but don't know if that would be a silly move. Anyone have experience with one disc brake?

[THE LONG RANGER]

I've considered doing the same for my CrossCheck - I can't see a real disadvantage to the idea, especially since Surly themselves make a, I believe, fully compatible fork that will work,

http://surlybikes.com/parts/forks/straggler_fork

Carbon forks that would be compatible are not so common, as the fork needed is straight tapered. Ritchey makes one.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Looking at the Crosscheck vs Stragler fork, the Offset and Axle -> Crown measurements are the same. Stragler comes with a longer steerer tube as well as support for 50mm tires vs. 45mm. Both wins, in my book. Cheap upgrade for sure, if you have a disk brake lying around.

[bmike-vt]

I ran disc up front on my Soma SS until I could put the coin together for a rear wheel... worked fine... I'd do the same with my road / gravel rig if I rode it more...

[Sparkyga]

It's no issue at all running 2 different braking systems. The only real negative is carrying 2 different sets of spare parts.

I ran a disc front/Vbrake rear across Australia

[trail_monkey]

Not sure about using 2 different types as this is the first time I have ever seen this but disc brakes are really really nice. Buy nice ones. I have Avid BB7s on my cross bike and Shimano SLX hydros on my mountain bike. I like both but hydros have such a silky feel. It is incomparable.