Who Makes Overdrive Bike Racks? | Brand Behind The Line

You’ve seen “Overdrive Sports K2” and similar model names everywhere and wondered who’s actually building these carriers. Here’s the straight answer: KAC, a bike-rack brand that sells direct and through big retailers, makes the Overdrive series. Marketplace listings sometimes shorten the brand to “Overdrive,” which leads to mixed messaging. This guide clears that up and helps you pick the right rack with confidence.

Who Makes Overdrive Bike Racks? Brands And Ownership

The Overdrive name belongs to KAC’s product family. When you see “K1-RT,” “K2,” “K2-RT,” or “K4-RT,” those sit under the Overdrive Sports banner from KAC. You’ll spot the same story across the company’s support site and brand store. KAC’s official help center uses the ridekac.com email domain, and its branded store on Amazon groups the Overdrive racks with other KAC gear on a single brand page (KAC brand store).

Overdrive Lineup At A Glance

Here’s a quick map of the common Overdrive models you’ll find, how they fit, and what to expect from each.

Model	What It Fits	Quick Specs
K1-RT Overdrive Sports	1.25" hitch; 1–2 bikes	Tilt-away handle; ratchet hooks; anti-wobble hitch
K2 Overdrive Sports	2" hitch; 1–2 bikes	Up to 60 lb per bike; wheel holders to ~5" tires
K2-RT Overdrive Sports	2" hitch; 1–2 bikes	Dual locking ratchet hooks; smart tilt access
K4 Overdrive Sports	2" hitch; up to 4 bikes	Platform trays; fold-up storage; safety strap
K4-RT Overdrive Sports	2" hitch; up to 4 bikes	Ratchet hook arms; locking hitch pin; reflector
C2 Overdrive Sports	2" hitch; 2 bikes	Locking knob; padded frame contact; wheel straps
Overdrive Hi-Lo Adapter	2" hitch leveling	Drops or raises receiver to line up rack height

Why The Name Causes Confusion

Retail pages sometimes list the seller as “Overdrive” or “Overdrive Sport,” while the packaging, manuals, and warranty point to KAC. That split labeling isn’t unusual in consumer gear. A series name gets popular, then marketplaces echo it as if it were the brand. If you’re scanning fast, it’s easy to miss the house name behind the line.

How To Confirm You’re Buying The Genuine Overdrive By KAC

Before you click Buy, run these quick checks so you land on the real thing and not a look-alike with different parts or a trimmed warranty.

• Logo and model tag: Look for KAC on the box, manual, or the hook arms.
• Support page: Manuals and policies live under the KAC Products help center.
• Warranty text: KAC spells out warranty coverage clearly (KAC warranty).
• Hitch note: Many Overdrive racks list an RV/Trailer use restriction in the fine print; that wording is consistent on legit listings.
• Anti-wobble system: Overdrive racks include a locking anti-wobble hitch design across current models.

Taking An Overdrive Bike Rack In Your Checked Specs Hunt (Close Variant)

This section gathers the specs people ask for when searching close variations of the question. If you’re weighing bike weight, tire size, or everyday use details, here’s what matters day to day.

Hitch Size And Vehicle Fit

K1-RT targets 1.25" receivers; K2/K2-RT and K4/K4-RT use 2" receivers. That matters for SUVs and trucks with factory 2" hitches. If you own a compact with a 1.25" receiver, K1-RT is the usual pick.

Weight Capacity And Ebike Readiness

Overdrive racks are built around 60 lb per bike on current platform models. That covers most hub-drive ebikes and many mid-drives. If your bike stretches that limit (cargo builds, dual batteries), weigh the bike without the battery and remove accessories before transport.

Tire Width And Wheelbase

Wheel holders on Overdrive platform trays handle tires up to about 5" and adjust for longer wheelbases. If you run fat tires, double-check the wheel holder range on the product listing you’re buying.

Security Touches

Locking ratchet hooks, a locking hitch pin, and frame/tire straps give you layered retention. Add a cable lock if you’ll park out of sight for a while. The locking hardware isn’t a substitute for full-time security, but it keeps grab-and-go theft in check.

Answering The Search: who makes overdrive bike racks?

If you landed here after typing “who makes overdrive bike racks?” into a search bar, the answer is KAC. The Overdrive Sports name labels the series; KAC is the brand and the warranty holder.

Real-World Use: What Sets Overdrive Apart

Tilting Access For Cargo Doors

The tilt-away lever drops the rack to open a hatch or tailgate without unloading bikes. That function saves time for grocery runs or trailhead prep.

Adjustable Trays For Mixed Bikes

One road bike and one ebike? Two kids’ bikes today, gravel rigs tomorrow? The sliding trays and hook arms make quick work of odd pairings.

Anti-Wobble Hitch System

A hitch cam or bolt tightens the shank inside the receiver, cutting the rattle that cheaper carriers can’t shake. Less play means less wear on rack joints and less noise on the highway.

Clear Fit Rules

Most platform listings call out a no-RV/Trailer guideline and publish max weights plainly. That transparency helps you match the rack to the use case without guesswork. You can cross-check coverage and exclusions in the brand’s warranty policy linked above.

Choosing Between K1-RT, K2/K2-RT, And K4/K4-RT

Here’s a simple way to decide. Start with your vehicle hitch, then your bike count, then your heaviest bike.

• One or two bikes, 1.25" hitch: K1-RT.
• One or two bikes, 2" hitch, want ratchet hooks: K2-RT.
• Up to four bikes, 2" hitch: K4 or K4-RT (choose RT for ratchet hooks).

Set-Up Tips For A Solid First Install

Dry Fit The Trays

Assemble the main spine and trays on the floor before mounting to the hitch. It’s easier to align wheel holders and hook arms at waist height than on the bumper.

Torque And Threadlocker

Tighten hardware to the values in the manual. A dab of removable threadlocker on key bolts helps keep things snug over a season of trips.

Balance The Load

Place the heavier bike closest to the vehicle. Check tray spacing so pedals and bars don’t touch. If your bars are wide, pivot one bike’s bars slightly to add clearance.

Use The Safety Strap

Loop the included strap through frames and the mast. It adds a back-up layer if a strap or knob is left loose by mistake.

Care, Warranty, And Replacement Parts

Keep the rack clean, especially the sliding hook posts and the tilt pivot. Rinse grit, then dry before storage to avoid surface rust on steel hardware. If you ever need parts or coverage details, KAC publishes a clear policy and contact path on its help center. The warranty page spells out what’s covered and the limits in plain language.

Quick Checks Before You Buy

Use this checklist to avoid look-alike listings and confirm you’re getting the rack you expect.

What To Check	Where	What You Should See
Brand Name	Box / Listing	KAC branding; Overdrive Sports as the series
Model Code	Title / Specs	K1-RT, K2, K2-RT, K4, or K4-RT
Hitch Size	Specs	1.25" (K1-RT) or 2" (K2/K4)
Bike Capacity	Specs	2 bikes (K1/K2) or 4 bikes (K4)
Per-Bike Limit	Specs	Up to 60 lb per bike on current models
Security	Features	Locking hooks, locking hitch pin, wheel/frame straps
Tilt Function	Features	Quick-release tilt for cargo access

Buying Smart On Marketplaces

Stick to the brand store or sellers with clear KAC packaging and model codes. If a listing headline says “Overdrive Sport” but the bullets don’t show KAC anywhere, read deeper. Compare the photos to KAC’s brand store layout and confirm the hitch size and weight numbers match the table above.

Who Benefits Most From The Overdrive Line

New ebike owners: A 60 lb per-bike rating covers many popular models. The trays and ratchet hooks make loading straightforward.

Families and pairs: K2-series for two bikes, K4-series for four. The tilt handle helps when you’re juggling snacks and helmets at the hatch.

Mixed wheel sizes: Adjustable wheel holders keep 700c road tires and 27.5–29er mountain tires happy on the same trip.

Safety Notes Worth Following

• Recheck knobs and pins after the first mile and after fuel stops.
• Keep batteries off ebikes during transport to stay under limits.
• Use the safety strap every time; it’s part of the system.
• If your manual lists “no RV/Trailer,” honor the rule; hitch bounce is higher back there.

Bottom Line: The Name On The Box Matters

Overdrive is the series; KAC is the maker. When you match the model code to your hitch and bike count, you’ll get a rack that’s easy to live with, simple to secure, and ready for weekend miles. Keep the checks in the second table handy, and you’ll avoid mix-ups that come from shorthand marketplace titles.