Why would my bike shop do this?

[chicagogal]

I just picked up my bike from the shop where I dropped it off for a tune-up. I got there just in time before they closed. I took the bike onto the road and headed home. A couple of blocks later I noticed that the breaking was funny. I have ALWAYS (for the last 5 yrs) had my bike set up so that the right hand controls the front brake. I know that it isn't "supposed" to be like that (here in the U.S.) but I prefer the front brake and want it controlled by my (dominant) right hand. But presumably because it was "wrong" the shop switched it without telling me. Since they are closed now, and I have no tools at home, I will have to make it through my ride tomorrow morning with my brakes backwards. I am upset, because I don't think this is safe and think that the shop should have consulted with me first before making that change. I guess I am just venting, but I do think this is a safety issue that they should have thought about.

[redrhodie]

I think you should hear their explanation before getting angry. Maybe there is a logical explanation (like, it was a mistake). If they did it intentionally, and then didn't mention it, you may want to find another shop.

[Wahine]

I agree with Red. I would assume that it was a mistake and ask them about it. They should not have changed it without your input but I would still give them a chance to explain themselves.

I once told a mechanic quite clearly that I wanted them to change my chain. When I picked up my bike they didn't do it. Their explanation was that they measured the chain slack and decided that it didn't need to be changed. I politely told them that I knew how much mileage was on that chain and regardless of the measurement they took, I wanted it changed. Sometimes the wrenches don't think we know what we want, but if you make yourself clear, they usually listen. That's what happened in my case anyway.

[Mr. Bloom]

+1 They probably thought it was unsafe to be backwards...

[Trekhawk]

I think bikes set up here in Aust are the same way as your bike. I purchased my bikes in the USA and so they are the other way around. I can tell you I would not be happy if they decided to change them around without consulting me. I like them just they way they are and because it is what I know I feel it is safer to keep it that way even if it is different from the norm here in Australia.

http://www.bv.com.au/bikes-&-riding/11156/

[mtbdarby]

I'll give you that you should go into the shop with a clear mind and let them explain, but personally I'd be furious.

We're talking about your ability to stop which could cause a fatal accident! I had the bike shop change over all my bikes to have the front brake on the right hand and they didn't want to but they did it after my explaining why. It's more natural to me, it was after an accident and I didn't have full strength in my left arm, etc. If they felt it was a safety issue they should have spoken to you before changing it. This shows complete disregard for your safety and disrespect (in my opinion). I ride with my son attached with a tag-a-long and that puts multiple people at risk. I shudder to think...

I'd like to hear their reasoning. And I'm sure I'd give them a respectable piece of my mind.....

[ilima]

I think bikes set up here in Aust are the same way as your bike. I purchased my bikes in the USA and so they are the other way around. I can tell you I would not be happy if they decided to change them around without consulting me. I like them just they way they are and because it is what I know I feel it is safer to keep it that way even if it is different from the norm here in Australia.

http://www.bv.com.au/bikes-&-riding/11156/

Exactly. There is nothing unsafe about having the right hand control the front brake. In fact, I think it's highly irresponsible and unsafe of the shop to switch out the controls without telling you.

I'd be really, really irritated and demand they switch it back first thing. I would not for one second listen to their lame explanations. It is completely safe to set it up the way you had it.

[kenyonchris]

+1 They probably thought it was unsafe to be backwards...

Yeah, before you get really irritated, just ask them. As a rider, always check your bike before you go winging off, to make sure there isn't a brake open or a quick release undone.
Our police mtb association (mtbs on the road as patrol bikes) addressed this problem once...some officers were sniping because they wanted the front brake in this or the other hand. The point the association made is that if you grab a brake, you want to grab the back one first (and I am sure I don't need to explain why). If every bike is set up the same way every time, then everyone gets used to proper and safe braking techniques on whatever bike they are on, no matter which hand is dominant, etc. etc. etc. Having said that, it is your bike and if the right hand works for you, rock on. But I would ask the shop to fix it asap. But since most bikes are set up (for a reason) the opposite way, you might have to check it...or make sure to note it on the work order.

[deepakvrao]

Yeah, before you get really irritated, just ask them. As a rider, always check your bike before you go winging off, to make sure there isn't a brake open or a quick release undone.
Our police mtb association (mtbs on the road as patrol bikes) addressed this problem once...some officers were sniping because they wanted the front brake in this or the other hand. The point the association made is that if you grab a brake, you want to grab the back one first (and I am sure I don't need to explain why). If every bike is set up the same way every time, then everyone gets used to proper and safe braking techniques on whatever bike they are on, no matter which hand is dominant, etc. etc. etc. Having said that, it is your bike and if the right hand works for you, rock on. But I would ask the shop to fix it asap. But since most bikes are set up (for a reason) the opposite way, you might have to check it...or make sure to note it on the work order.

Why the back one? I would have thought the front one?

[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!

[wannaduacentury]

I just picked up my bike from the shop where I dropped it off for a tune-up. I got there just in time before they closed. I took the bike onto the road and headed home. A couple of blocks later I noticed that the breaking was funny. I have ALWAYS (for the last 5 yrs) had my bike set up so that the right hand controls the front brake. I know that it isn't "supposed" to be like that (here in the U.S.) but I prefer the front brake and want it controlled by my (dominant) right hand. But presumably because it was "wrong" the shop switched it without telling me. Since they are closed now, and I have no tools at home, I will have to make it through my ride tomorrow morning with my brakes backwards. I am upset, because I don't think this is safe and think that the shop should have consulted with me first before making that change. I guess I am just venting, but I do think this is a safety issue that they should have thought about.

My old 3 speed was set up this way, just the way they put it together. Like you said, they have swapped so I actually swapped mine to match the other bikes which are left(front)-right(rear). I would take it back to the shop and politely make them change it, and to ask you before they make major changes to your equipment. They making a change actually could have casued an accident when you weren't aware of it in a panic stop. Jenn

[mtbdarby]

So just out of curiosity, did you have a chance to talk to the bike store about why they switched the brakes?

[msincredible]

I'd be annoyed if it were me.

I have one bike with the front brake on the right side. As I handed it to the mechanic at the LBS he asked me if I knew the brakes were reversed and if I wanted it kept that way.