Bike lost by airline. Looking for replacement around Colorado Springs.

[rvanderdussen]

My father is currently in Colorado Springs from where he is supposed to cycle to San Francisco. Unfortunately the airline with which he flew from The Netherlands to Denver has lost his bike. He does have his other luggage. I’m trying to help him find a replacement in the area. Does anyone have recommendations for stores / rental places in or between Colorado Springs and Denver? Your help will be much appreciated.

[Pat Lamb]

Colorado Springs has a number of bike shops, but if he needs a loaded touring bike, I'd say go to the REI.  Their Coop ADV 1.1 is in the same class as the Trek 520, Surly LHT, and Fuji Touring.  If they don't have one in his size, they may be able to locate one in Denver or Boulder, though that might entail a car rental for timely delivery.

[staehpj1]

Colorado Springs has a number of bike shops, but if he needs a loaded touring bike, I'd say go to the REI.  Their Coop ADV 1.1 is in the same class as the Trek 520, Surly LHT, and Fuji Touring.  If they don't have one in his size, they may be able to locate one in Denver or Boulder, though that might entail a car rental for timely delivery.

Alternately he could just start in a city that has one in his size and take a bus or whatever public transportation is available to get there.  I'd ask first how quick REI or a local shop in Colorado Springs could get something suitable there  Denver is a big city with lots of bike shops.  If I remember correctly Denver has a big REI that was really well stocked when I was there.  It looks like Greyhound has service between the two cities and it is a pretty short ride.  So if there is nothing in Colorado Springs, Denver is a good bet and little more than a 2 hour bus ride.

[ray b]

Always sorry to hear of a trip to the American west that starts on a bad foot.

How certain is the airline that it is permanently lost or stolen?
Sometimes, and especially with international and budget flights, bicycles travel "standby," and eventually show up....