Stolen bike blues

[KathiCville]

Very sorry to hear about your brother's loss.....

He ought to be able to rehab that Peugeot without too much trouble. For Christmas last year my BF rehab'd my 27-year old Peugeot to make it perfectly rideable again. It's now my commuter for jaunts to the university library. (Doesn't compare to my new road bike in terms of mechanics, but I love it for sentimental reasons.)

BF had to search a little to find what he needed---using the 'special order' help of the local LBS, I think---but he got the Peugeot moving again pretty quickly after it sat in my garage untouched for 10 years. (It needed replacement brakes, new rims, some other gizmos, too. Don't remember if it needed a new chain---probably!)

If your brother's bike just needs a chain, I can't believe it would be very difficult to find a workable replacement. He needs to show the bike to someone who fixes bikes as a hobby or just for the love of it.
Maybe your brother could contact one of the local cycling clubs and see if there are members who can give him some informal, hands-on advice or help, so he's not at the mercy of a greedy LBS salesman. (My bicycle-loving BF actually begged me to LET him rebuild the Peugeot, LOL! He loved the idea of giving a 'classic' a 'new life.')

Besides Craigslist, your brother might want to take a look at the local Goodwill, Salvation Army, Amvet and other thrift stores to check into a replacement bike.

Also, one or more of the LBS's that do rentals (for the C&O canal, for example) might get rid of their used rental models for a decent price once in a while.

In May or June he might be able to pick up a beater for a song when graduating university students clear out.

Good luck to him!