Remembering Cannondale’s Founder, Joe Montgomery

We’re saddened to listen to of the passing of Cannondale founder and bike trade pioneer Joe Montgomery. Montgomery handed away on January 2, 2026, on the age of 86.

Montgomery’s Legacy

Montgomery based Cannondale in 1971, not by creating a motorbike, however a bicycle trailer often called the Bugger. All through the 70s, Cannondale concerned themselves in lots of out of doors pursuits, producing biking attire, bike luggage, sleeping luggage, and tents. They have been even producing canine beds for L.L. Bean out of their Bedford, Pennsylvania, manufacturing facility.

Within the 80s, Montgomery was launched to the concept of constructing bike frames from heat-treated, welded aluminum slightly than metal. Cannondale introduced on engineer David Graham, and the model launched the ST500. The launch of the brand new aluminum providing attracted new clients and created alternatives for Cannondale.

In 1987, Cannondale expanded into Europe. In 1991, there could be a headquarters in Japan. These expansions have been due partly to Montgomery’s son and different essential members of the Cannondale workforce. Finally, the Cannondale model would fully concentrate on biking, constructing iconic race groups resembling Volvo-Cannondale and Saeco-Cannondale.

After leaving Cannondale, Montgomery based a software program firm in 2004 that sells observe administration software program to bodily therapists. Solely just lately did he retire from that newest enterprise. 

Montgomery is survived by his spouse, Celia; his 5 youngsters, Scott, Lauren, Michael, Luke, and John; and three grandchildren. Our ideas are with them throughout this time.

Testimonials

Jeff McGuane, President of Revelyst Journey Sports activities

“Joe Montgomery was the uncommon chief who noticed not solely who you have been, however who you possibly can grow to be — and in me, what I couldn’t but see in myself. He took daring dangers on individuals based mostly on potential, not expertise, and led with real gratitude and perception. His affect on my life, and on the chief I grew to become, was outsized and enduring.”

Mike Sinyard, founder & proprietor, Specialised Bicycles

“Joe was an inspiration to all of us. He was the primary one to actually be revolutionary and form of irreverent, however in a logical manner, all based mostly on expertise. I bear in mind these days properly.”

(On an attention-grabbing word, Sinyard was a proud proprietor of a Cannondale Bugger, which he used to hold Specialised elements, promoting them retailer to retailer.)

Mike Stimola, CEO, ENVE Composites

“Joe was certainly one of a sort –- an entrepreneur, a visionary, a beneficiant mentor, a pilot, hardworking and fun-loving — whose affect touched numerous lives.”

A celebration of Joe Montgomery’s life shall be introduced at a later date. The household asks that as an alternative of sending flowers, “honor Joe by mentoring potential, taking a experience, or selecting the daring concept.”