Abu Ahmad, Basra’s veteran bicycle mechanic

BASRA, September 13 — Bicycle mechanic Abu Ahmad has been a prominent figure in the Al-Jumhuriya neighborhood, also known as Al-Faysaliya, in Basra,  maintaining his profession for many years, skillfully repairing bicycles at affordable prices. His reputation attracts cycling enthusiasts, even from more affluent neighborhoods.

In an interview with 964, Abu Ahmad mentioned that he has been in the bicycle repair business since the 1990s when the rent for his shop was only 6,000 Iraqi dinars.

His shop welcomes a diverse clientele, including bicycle owners from Al-Jumhuriya and neighboring areas, and offers a wide range of bicycle spare parts imported from India, China, and Japan.

The prices vary based on the quality, size, and source of import, but they remain competitive and reasonable.

Salam Saeed, a customer from Al-Jenina, travels to Al-Jumhuriya to have his bike serviced by Abu Ahmad. He praised the excellent maintenance work and affordability. Abu Ahmad’s labor costs have remained largely unaffected by fluctuating exchange rates, staying below 1,500 Iraqi dinars, unlike other sellers and mechanics in the market.