In a groundbreaking collaboration, Nissan and The Ride Companion, the world’s leading mountain bike podcast, have redefined mobile content creation with a bespoke Nissan Primastar van. Designed in partnership with specialist UK converters MTB Vans, this high-spec Primastar promises to enhance the way mountain bike content is produced and shared, providing an all-in-one mobile studio for on-the-go recording.
The Vision
The Ride Companion’s founders, Davi Birks and Olly Wilkins, sought a solution to record their popular podcast and video content away from their Surrey Hills studio. To achieve this, they envisioned a mobile studio that could seamlessly integrate with their adventurous lifestyle, enabling them to travel across the UK, meet guests, and capture content from remote trails and bike parks.
Nissan, known for its innovative automotive solutions, teamed up with MTB Vans to turn this vision into reality. The result is a custom Primastar that stands out as a testament to engineering prowess and creative design.
Custom Conversion
Starting with a high-spec Nissan Primastar Tekna+ L1H1, the conversion process took less than two weeks. The van’s transformation included a range of features tailored to The Ride Companion’s needs:
- Bespoke Storage Solutions: The interior boasts tailored racking for helmets, tools, and equipment, a slide-out tray, and secure mounting points for two mountain bikes. Additional shelving is provided for cameras, microphones, tripods, and lights.
- Off-Grid Capabilities: Equipped with a Starlink satellite-based mobile Wi-Fi system and a compact desk, the van ensures high-speed internet connectivity and a dedicated workspace for content creation. Power is supplied by a CTEK split-charge system and a 160Ah LiFePO4 battery, which is trickle-charged by a roof-mounted solar panel.
- Comfort and Practicality: The load area is thermally insulated, with water-resistant flooring, carpeted walls, and a suede-effect ceiling panel featuring concealed LED lighting in The Ride Companion’s signature teal color. A 25-litre water tank connected to a Worx Hydroshot pressure washer allows for easy cleaning of bikes and equipment.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Off-road tyres and a powerful 9500-lumen LED light bar facilitate access to remote trails, while a versatile roof rack accommodates a 7m² Fiamma sun awning and additional gear.
Reactions and Reflections
Davi Birks expressed his excitement about the project, noting that the custom Primastar addresses the challenge of recording with busy mountain bike professionals. “The Primastar is the ultimate ride companion,” he enthused, highlighting its practicality and versatility.
Joel Aindow, founder of MTB Vans, shared his satisfaction with the build. “It was a pleasure to collaborate with Nissan on this project. The quality and functionality of the conversion are top-notch, and the Primastar’s compact size didn’t hinder our ability to create a fully functional mobile studio.”
David Jackson, Communications Director at Nissan, praised the collaboration, emphasizing the success of tailoring the Primastar for The Ride Companion’s adventurous needs. “This project is a prime example of how Nissan vans can be customized for a dynamic lifestyle,” he said.
About the Nissan Primastar
The Nissan Primastar, available in various configurations including Panel Van and Crew Van, offers a spacious and reliable solution for professionals. The latest 2024 model features a powerful 2.0-litre engine, advanced safety systems, and a comfortable, well-equipped cabin. With prices starting at £30,590, it provides exceptional value and versatility for a range of business needs.
The collaboration between Nissan, The Ride Companion, and MTB Vans has resulted in a revolutionary mobile content production vehicle. The custom Primastar not only meets but exceeds the demands of modern content creators, demonstrating how innovation and customization can elevate the content creation experience. Whether you’re a mountain biking enthusiast or a professional seeking the ultimate mobile studio, the Nissan Primastar stands as a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets engineering excellence.
