DiegoFrogs - There is "residue" evidence that originally the brakes were mounted as you describe, but for whatever reason, the previous owner changed the mounting. We are not sure why this is and haven't messed with the brakes yet. If I end up riding this bike a lot, I will get new wheels (with alloy rims) anyhow, and then will rethink the brake placement as well.

mkeller - Yes, it is a misspelled Pixies reference. As far as I know, the bag name is pronounced Zim-BAH-leh. I think I heard it said that way, and that is how I pronounce it. Could be wrong of course. I mean, "mix-tee" should really be pronounced "meext", but no one seems too bothered : )