nicO Gurney

My longwinded-repair journey began when my brother and I started shooting and editing home videos on our dad's Sony camcorder. We quickly hit the point where the limited fade transitions and editing capabilities on the device didn't artistically represent our visions. We upgraded to more sophisticated cameras (which used MiniDV) and built desktop computers that could handle Sony Vegas, Premiere, and a whole other suite of 3D modeling and effects like Blender and Maya.

As we grew up and diverged interests, I made a stop in computer service and repair, and internetworking, receiving my A+ and CCNA in 2010.

Resting in the shade on an '81 Wonderbread truck.

I entered the world of music production, building guitar pedals and working on electric guitars while I studied mechanical engineering at Cal Poly. My communities became narrowed between permaculture and bicycles. I struggled in bringing the two closer together. I moved into the the Establishment for a few years to refine my interests.

I helped build Bread Bike's bakery and bike delivery program, and now consult for Surf Gems and Morro Bay High School's Industrial Technology courses as a lab instructor.

''Welding out of position is incredibly tiring. Don't forget to take frequent stretch breaks.''

I'm a SLO county native, and currently rooted up the hill from Cayucos, where I'm farming on a few acres, fixing implements, and listening to birds - waiting for the phone buzzing, and summoning me for a mobile mechanic gig.

I’m willing to attempt any repair at least once, like laundry machines, cement mixers, etc. and willing to attempt some repairs more than once, like bicycles, bicycles, and bicycles — with a little love I can share the bountiful life left in these machines and our world!

This is precisely why I’m now working at iFixit as a hired wrench and troubleshooting guide writer and I'm enjoying what I'm creating. Tinker on, fix the world.

''A tin-type photo taken on the Trinity river by S. Streamfellow.''

I frequently (nearly every ride) experience a mechanical on my bicycle, and in 2021 I broke 4 bicycle chains! Now, I ride or carry bike tools for fixing any bike I stumble across. More bikes means a happier community.