Margaritaville bikes are licensed products designed and distributed by Kent International, the U.S. bicycle company behind the co-branded cruisers.
Shoppers ask this a lot because the logo on the frame says Margaritaville while the box, warranty, and service live elsewhere. Here’s the clear answer, plus what that means for sizing, support, and where these cruisers fit among entry-level beach bikes.
Who Makes The Margaritaville Bike? Brand And Factory Details
The short version: Kent International makes the margaritaville bike line under a brand-licensing deal with Margaritaville Holdings. Kent designs the models, sources frames and components, handles distribution, and provides service and warranty. The tropical graphics and themed add-ons come from the licensing side. That split explains why you’ll see a parrot horn and bottle opener on a cruiser that’s sold by Kent and retailers like Walmart.
| Topic | What It Means | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kent International (licensee) | Designer, distributor, support |
| Brand Owner | Margaritaville Holdings | Brand, themes, graphics |
| Typical Models | Single-speed, 3-speed, 7-speed cruisers | 26-inch, step-over and step-thru |
| Frame | Aluminum or steel cruiser frames | Comfort upright fit |
| Brakes | Coaster or alloy hand brakes | Model dependent |
| Add-Ons | Fenders, basket, cup holder, parrot horn | Theme accessories vary |
| Where Sold | Kent site and mass retailers | Walmart, Academy, others |
| Service | Kent warranty and parts | Online support center |
| Best Use | Casual boardwalk rides | Flat paths and neighborhood |
How The Licensing Works
Brand licensing means the bike’s look and theme come from Margaritaville while the engineering and after-sale care come from Kent. It’s the same playbook Kent runs with Jeep, GMC, and other co-branded lines. For you, the buyer, that means parts availability and warranty flow through Kent, not the lifestyle brand printed on the chainguard.
Why The Name On The Frame Differs From The Maker
Many first-time buyers expect the brand on the downtube to also be the factory. With licensed cruisers that’s not the case. The logo creates the vibe; the bicycle company backs the frame, specs, and support. So when you ask, “who makes the margaritaville bike?” the practical answer is Kent, because that’s who supplies manuals, service numbers, and replacement parts.
Specs You Can Expect
These cruisers aim for relaxed rides on level ground. Expect upright geometry, cushy saddles, and wide tires that roll smooth at slower speeds. Build kits tend to favor simplicity over weight savings. That’s the right trade for casual paths and beach towns where low maintenance matters more than shaving grams.
Frames, Forks, And Fit
Frames come in aluminum for lighter feel or steel for a classic ride. Both use a laid-back seat tube and swept bars that keep wrists neutral. Step-through models make stop-and-go riding easy. Check reach and standover before you buy; riders 5’4” to 6’0” land well on 26-inch sizes, with taller riders looking for longer reach or an extended seatpost.
Gearing Options
You’ll see single-speed with a coaster brake for maximum simplicity, three-speed with an internal hub for light hills, and seven-speed with a derailleur for neighborhoods that aren’t dead flat. Match gearing to your routes. If your boardwalk includes a bridge, a 3- or 7-speed saves knees.
Brakes, Wheels, And Touch Points
Basic models stick with coaster brakes that stop by back-pedaling. Up-level trims add alloy side-pulls with levers for more control. Rims are usually alloy for corrosion resistance near salty air, paired with 26×2.125 tires for cushy grip. Saddles and grips skew plush, and many builds include fenders to keep the stripe off your back after puddles.
Build Quality And What To Check
Entry-level cruisers deliver value, but they still benefit from a careful setup. Out of the box, plan to true wheels, tension spokes, set bearing preload, adjust brakes, and align the fenders. A good shop tune can turn a box bike into a smooth path cruiser that lasts.
Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist
- Torque the stem, bar, crank, and axle nuts to spec.
- Center calipers and set pad toe-in if you have hand brakes.
- Set saddle height so your knee stays slightly bent at the bottom of the stroke.
- Inflate tires to the printed PSI range; check weekly.
- Confirm wheel quick releases or axle nuts are tight before every ride.
- Apply a light chain lube; wipe off excess to avoid sand build-up.
Where To Buy And What Comes In The Box
Kent sells online and through big-box stores. Many packages arrive mostly assembled. Plan on installing the front wheel, handlebar, pedals, and seatpost, then doing a full adjustment pass. Save your receipt and model number; registration streamlines warranty claims.
Finding The Serial And Model ID
The serial number sits on the bottom bracket shell or a decal on the seat tube. The model ID often appears on a small sticker near the crank. Snap photos after assembly so you have records handy if you need parts later.
Who Makes The Margaritaville Bike? Buyer Confidence With Sources
Brand pages and trade press back up the maker story. Kent lists a Margaritaville collection with features, support links, and registration. Trade outlets covered the licensing deal when it launched. Those references give shoppers clarity on who stands behind frames, forks, and parts.
Helpful Official Links
You can view Kent’s dedicated page for these cruisers, which lays out features and support options, and the trade-press coverage of the licensing agreement that kicked off the line. See Kent’s Margaritaville cruiser page for features, support, and registration, and Bicycle Retailer’s report on the licensing deal that launched the line.
Maintenance Schedule That Keeps It Rolling
A little routine care keeps any cruiser happy. Sand and salt speed wear, so light, regular service beats long gaps between big overhauls.
| Interval | What To Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Every Ride | Tire pressure check; quick visual over bolts and fenders | Prevents flats and rattles |
| Monthly | Chain clean and lube; brake adjustment; wheel true check | Smooths shifts and stops |
| Seasonal | Fresh cables if gritty; hub and headset preload check | Stops creaks and play |
| Yearly | Brake pad and tire wear check; bearing service as needed | Extends wheel and hub life |
| Beach Storage | Rinse off salt spray; dry and re-lube chain | Cuts corrosion |
| After Rain | Wipe frame; re-grease any exposed bolts | Protects finish |
Parts, Upgrades, And Smart Swaps
These bikes shine when kept simple. That said, a few tweaks can lift comfort and longevity without breaking the budget.
Easy Wins
- Upgrade tubes to thicker butyl to cut pinch flats on rough boardwalk seams.
- Add stainless hardware where you can: seat clamp, rack bolts, and fender stays.
- Swap in a suspension seatpost if your paths include cracked pavement.
- Fit puncture-resistant tires if goat-head thorns haunt your routes.
- Install a basic rear rack and bungee for beach towels or groceries.
What To Leave Stock
Keep the chain guard, fenders, and wide platform pedals. They add comfort and keep sand off your legs. Stick with simple drivetrains unless your routes demand more gears.
Sizing And Fit Tips
Comfort beats speed here. Aim for a saddle height that lets your heel touch the pedal with a straight leg; then ride with the ball of your foot. Bars should sit high enough that your back stays relaxed. If your wrists tingle, roll the bar slightly back and add a gel grip or ergonomic shape.
Rider Height Ranges
Most 26-inch cruisers work from about 5’4” up to 6’0”. If you’re taller, a longer seatpost and stem can help, though riders above 6’2” may prefer a true XL frame or a model with more reach.
How It Compares To Other Beach Cruisers
Entry cruisers from Huffy, Firmstrong, and sixthreezero sit in the same lane. Kent’s take leans playful with themed parts and bundle value. Firmstrong favors clean lines and simple specs aimed at bike-shop assembly. Sixthreezero pushes comfort sizing and color choices. Huffy often wins on price for single-speed coaster builds. The ride feel across all of them stays relaxed; the big differences show up in assembly quality, brake setup, and wheel trueness out of the carton.
Strengths And Trade-Offs
These Margaritaville models pack in accessories, so owners get fenders, a basket, and a cup holder out of the gate. That saves add-on cost, yet stacked accessories can buzz if bolts loosen. Blue Loctite on rack and fender hardware goes a long way. Paint and graphics hold up well when stored inside.
Troubleshooting Common Niggles
Most hiccups trace back to setup. If the chain pops, check rear wheel alignment in the dropouts and set correct chain tension. If fenders rub, re-center the stays and add a washer to clear tire knobs. Squeaky brakes usually need a light sand on the pads and a toe-in tweak. If the bike pulls to one side, measure the bar and saddle alignment to the top tube and set both straight.
Warranty, Service, And Returns
Kent covers frames and parts under its warranty terms. Keep your proof of purchase, register the bike, and contact Kent support for any issues. Retailer return windows vary, so read the store policy if you’re buying local pickup or ship-to-home. When friends ask who makes the margaritaville bike, you can say Kent International and point them to the same support links you used to register.
Bottom Line
If you like the laid-back theme and want a casual path bike, these cruisers deliver fun colors and simple rides backed by a major U.S. bicycle company. For flat routes and weekend spins, they’re a match. If you need daily-driver durability or plan to haul loads, look at a steel utility cruiser or a city hybrid with stronger wheels and mounts.