Why would my bike shop do this?

[MartianDestiny]

I also agree with Red. Assuming it was something that they would have had to remove the brakes for the mechanic could have just been on autopilot re-installing them, etc. I'd certainly ask them about it, have them fix it, and be sure to be clear that you want them "backwards" in the future.

If they had no reason to remove the brakes then I certainly agree they most definitely should have consulted with you before taking the initiative to "fix" it. How they responded when I brought it back in would determine whether or not they ever touched my bike again at that point.

[Jolt]

I also agree with Red. Assuming it was something that they would have had to remove the brakes for the mechanic could have just been on autopilot re-installing them, etc. I'd certainly ask them about it, have them fix it, and be sure to be clear that you want them "backwards" in the future.

If they had no reason to remove the brakes then I certainly agree they most definitely should have consulted with you before taking the initiative to "fix" it. How they responded when I brought it back in would determine whether or not they ever touched my bike again at that point.

Well said. I think they were just used to the "standard" configuration and put them back that way without thinking. Hopefully they will be willing to switch it back for you--if not, that is an indication to find a different shop! Incidentally, I have one bike with each brake configuration--the hybrid (which I started with) has the standard US setup while the touring bike I just got came with the front brake lever on the right. I wasn't too sure about that setup when I realized they were "backwards" but decided to give it a chance and found that I'm OK with it. Now if I could just do something about the levers--they're a little hard for my small hands to grab strongly.

[Aggie_Ama]

I agree that they probably replaced the cables and didn't remember you had it switched. Frustrating but I bet there is a logical explanation and they will feel really bad for putting you in the situation. If not, I would move along to another shop!