Why would my bike shop do this?

[spokewench]

I have always run my brakes like a motorcycle, i.e. backwards for most cyclists. The reason for this was that my husband was a motorcyclist and he changed all his bikes over cause that was what he was used to; so when I started riding he did this for me too. I'm used to it. Whenever I take my bike into the shop, I always give them a heads up that I want my brakes backwards - and they will be in trouble if they change it. I also have to warn people before they ride one of my bikes that it is backwards and to watch how they pull the brakes. It is not so much a big deal on the road bike since I more often than not brake both brakes at a time, unless I am pedaling against the brake in a peloton.

On the mountain bike, I do have to be cognizant of which brake I am using for certain situations. So, if someone were to change my brakes, I would be in big trouble! I don't want to be hitting front brake going down a drop off or something! Yikes!

It is no safer one way or another, it is just what you get used to.

spoke

[OakLeaf]

I have always run my brakes like a motorcycle, i.e. backwards for most cyclists. The reason for this was that my husband was a motorcyclist and he changed all his bikes over cause that was what he was used to; so when I started riding he did this for me too. I'm used to it. Whenever I take my bike into the shop, I always give them a heads up that I want my brakes backwards - and they will be in trouble if they change it. I also have to warn people before they ride one of my bikes that it is backwards and to watch how they pull the brakes. It is not so much a big deal on the road bike since I more often than not brake both brakes at a time, unless I am pedaling against the brake in a peloton.
...
spoke

That's funny.

Coming back to the bici from the moto, I found it very effective to leave the bici brakes stock. Because on the moto, the first thing I reach for to slow myself gradually is to feather the clutch only - which translates to the left hand feathering the front brake on the bici. A little bit harder means feathering both levers. And hard braking means pulling them both hard, still emphasizing the left over the right, since pulling the clutch is the equivalent of "stop pedaling when you want to stop!"

As I ride more, I've been able to refine my bici braking technique, but as a returner, I had no trouble.