Nissan teams up with the world's most popular MTB podcast – The Ride Companion – to create mobile Primastar podcast studio

September 12, 2024 by Nissan

• Nissan and The Ride Companion work with specialist UK converter MTB Vans to create high-spec Primastar mobile podcast studio

•Unique configuration enables off-grid podcast and video recording with pro mountain bike riders and industry insiders, meeting the Ride Companion's content production needs

•Interior modifications include full fit out of the load area with bike and equipment storage and recharging, Starlink mobile Wi-Fi connectivity, LED lighting, a content editing workstation, water tank, and pressure washer

•Off-road tyres and a powerful LED light bar help the team access and record from remote trails

Nissan and The Ride Companion, the world's most popular mountain bike podcast, have 'defied ordinary' by transforming a Nissan Primastar van into a versatile mobile content production support vehicle.

The Ride Companion's founders Davi Birks and Olly Wilkins will use the custom Nissan Primastar to help them produce shows whenever they're away from their Surrey Hills studio, travelling the length and breadth of the UK to meet guests and ride the country's best trails and bike parks, as well as attending national and international mountain bike races.

Working to a brief from Davi and Olly to build 'the ultimate ride companion', Nissan collaborated with specialist LCV converters MTB Vans. Using a high-spec Nissan Primastar Tekna+ L1H1 as a base, the conversion process took less than two weeks from start to finish, culminating with a slick custom vinyl wrap on the sides and rear of the van by MotoShack.

The Ride Companion co-founder Davi Birks said: 'We're absolutely stoked to be working with Nissan on this project. It's sometimes tricky to get guests to the studio because world-class riders are so busy, but now we can take the show to them and record wherever we like. Vans are a massive part of mountain bike culture and our custom Primastar is so sick: it's easy to drive, has all the features and space we need, so it's the perfect way to transport all our bikes and kit. It's The Ride Companion's ultimate ride companion!'

MTB Vans founder and owner Joel Aindow said: 'It was a real pleasure to work with Nissan to customise the Primastar for Davi and Olly. A shout out from them on the podcast in 2020 helped me get the business off the ground, so it was awesome to do a special build for them. This is the first Primastar we've worked on, but we're very happy with the result: the quality is really solid, and the space is great for a short wheelbase van, so the conversion was straightforward, which is crucial when you've got loads of projects on the go. It's definitely a good option for builds and great value compared to some brands.'

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David Jackson, Communications Director at Nissan said: 'This is a great example of collaboration between Nissan, The Ride Companion and MTB Vans that has produced an extremely well thought out and effective product, with the Primastar van at the core. We know there's a lot of mountain bikers out there, so this has been a great opportunity to demonstrate how Nissan vans can be tailored to create the perfect space for an adventurous lifestyle.

'We're delighted to be working with The Ride Companion and are excited to see the finished product in action!'

About The Ride Companion conversion

•Bespoke storage tailored to meet the mountain biking and content production needs of The Ride Companion team, including racking for helmets, tools and equipment, a slide-out tray and mounting points for two mountain bikes, plus secure shelving for cameras, mics, tripods and lights.

•Thermally insulated lined load area, with rubberised, water-resistant flooring, carpeted walls, and a stylish suede-effect ceiling panel with concealed LED lighting in TRC's signature teal colour.

•High-speed, off-grid mobile internet connectivity using a satellite-based Starlink system and integrated Wi-Fi router, plus a compact desk attached to the bulkhead, so the TRC team can research topics and upload fresh content wherever they are.

•240V power supply and multiple plug and USB sockets to power and recharge production kit and two electric mountain bikes, based around a CTEK split-charge / monitoring system and a 160Ah LiFePO4 battery, which is continuously trickle charged by a roof-mounted solar panel.

•A 25-litre water tank connected to a Worx Hydroshot pressure washer, so bikes and equipment can be rinsed off after muddy rides.

•A versatile full-length roof rack, which provides secure mounting for a 7m2 Fiamma sun awning, the 200W solar panel, and a high-power 9500-lumen LED light bar.

•General Grabber AT3 multi-terrain tyres, mounted to the Primastar Tekna+'s standard-issue 10-spoke alloy wheels, to make it easier to access locations off the beaten track.

About Nissan Primastar

No matter what your business needs, the Nissan Primastar is a capable, roomy, and reliable workhorse. As a Panel Van it's available in two length and two roof heights, with a well-shaped and easily accessible load space providing between 5.8m3 and 8.9m3 of capacity. A six-seat Crew Van variant is also available, in two lengths, with 3.2 or 4.0 m3 of load space.

The latest 2024 variant comes in two grades, Acenta or Tekna, with many features as standard such as full LED front lights, a car-like cabin with automatic air con and an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. New ADAS have been made standard on the vehicle, improving both usability and safety, earning it a coveted Gold rating by EuroNCAP.

Its 2.0-litre engine is efficient and powerful, offering power of up to 170hp and 380Nm of torque. A dual-clutch, six-speed automatic transmission is available along with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Every Primastar benefits from Nissan's exceptional five-year / 100,000-mile warranty, making it the smart choice for working professionals. The Nissan Primastar is available from £30,590, basic price, including delivery.

For more information about the Nissan Primastar, please visit the Nissan UK website.

To listen to The Ride Companion, just search 'The Ride Companion' on any of the main podcast platforms, or check out their YouTube and Instagram channels.

For more information about MTB Vans, please visit the MTB Vans website.