It's sickening to hear such stories! A folding bike might be a good idea, as someone else mentioned. Having been a bike mechanic for many years now, I truly believe that a chain could have been found very easily for your brothers bike! Perhaps he should think of visiting one of the shops that were recommended here on the forum. I would also go back to the old shop and speak to the owner/manager... although nothing could be changed now I would let them know of their poor service on your chain. And as an after thought, perhaps they would still have the old bike around??