Cycling pioneer and Cannondale founder Joe Montgomery passed away on Friday, January 2nd, at 86, as confirmed by Celia Montgomery, his wife. He is survived by Celia, five children, and three grandchildren.
Cannondale was formed in 1971 in the loft of the Cannondale train station in Wilton, Connecticut. The company’s first product – a bicycle trailer known as Bugger – was inspired by Montgomery after watching a struggling cyclist climb a hill with a stuffed backpack.
The Bugger became the first of many product innovations that would define Cannondale’s storied history. Throughout the 1970s, the company grew steadily, manufacturing cycling apparel, bike bags, tents, sleeping bags, and even contracted and manufactured dog beds for the famous L.L. Bean brand.
All products were manufactured in a repurposed shoe factory located in Bedford, Pennsylvania. In the early 1980s, an engineer sent Joe a letter suggesting that bicycles predominantly made of steel could be improved by adopting oversized aluminium, heat-treated, and welded components. Celia Montgomery recalled, “Joe had experience from early years of his life where he crewed sailboats with masts made of oversized aluminium, so he understood the benefits of oversized aluminium structures.”
Engineer David Graham was immediately hired, development began on the first aluminium bicycle, and Cannondale launched the ST500 for a retail price of $495, a significant premium for a bicycle at the time. The innovation attracted new customers and helped redefine the modern bicycle.
The company continued to expand, forming Cannondale Europe in 1987 and entering the Japanese market in 1991. Both initiatives were founded by Joe’s son Scott, along with key team members including Scott Bell and Michael Jackson.
Over time, the company became fully focused on cycling, went public in 1994, and rose in stature through successful professional racing programs such as Volvo-Cannondale and later Saeco-Cannondale. These programs enhanced the brand’s reputation for innovation and performance, and have been followed by other strong racing and development programs that continue to this day.
Montgomery grew up in Coshocton, Ohio, a small town where his father, Ed Montgomery, pioneered the use of latex to replace rubber for the manufacturing of industrial-use gloves. Ed founded EdMont Gloves, passing on a legacy of entrepreneurship and innovation that would profoundly shape his son’s career.
Testimonials:
“Joe was an inspiration to all of us. He was the first one to really be innovative and kind of irreverent, but in a logical way, all based on technology. I remember those days well.” Mike Sinyard, founder & owner, Specialized Bicycles. Sinyard famously bought a Bugger and used it to ride from store to store to sell early Specialized component products.
“Joe was one of a kind – an entrepreneur, a visionary, a generous mentor, a pilot, hardworking and fun-loving – whose influence touched countless lives.” – Mike Stimola, CEO, ENVE Composites.
“Joe Montgomery was the rare leader who saw not only who you were, but who you could become–and in me, what I could not yet see in myself. He took bold risks on people based on potential, not experience, and led with genuine gratitude and belief. His influence on my life, and on the leader I became, was oversized and enduring.” – Jeff McGuane, President, Revelyst Adventure Sports.
“Joe Montgomery was the man behind Cannondale, the bicycle and motorcycle company – that, for better or worse – always dared to do things differently. I respected Joe for the gumption and enthusiasm he wore on his sleeve.” – Zap Espinoza, Editor & Content, KTM Motorcycles.
“As just another of many, many Cannondale dealers, Joe treated me like gold. I’m not one to look up to people as heroes, but Joe Montgomery held that position.” – Tomais Hinchcliff, Genesis Bicycles, Easton, PA.
“Joe was a visionary, a strong leader, a trailblazer, and to some, a cowboy. I had the privilege of meeting him when I was 23, just four years after we started Incycle. Joe not only gave Incycle a fighting shop, but he also mentored me and taught me life lessons for which I am forever grateful. – Mark Smitz, Founder, Incycle, San Dimas, CA.
“Truly, Joe was one of a kind, and he was one of the very few I looked up to. I loved your Dad, and this crazy world we’re living in will not be the same without him.” – Jay Wolff, Founder, Helen’s Cycles, Santa Monica, CA.
After a challenging foray into the production of motocross motorcycles and ATVs, the company was sold and changed hands several times. Today, it is a wholly owned subsidiary of PON Bike, where the brand continues to thrive.
Marco Kind, Managing Director, said, “They say we stand on the shoulders of giants. Well, it’s true, and for us, Joe is that giant. He was a legend. A true original. There will never be another like him, that’s for sure. We all owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. His vision, his energy, and his relentless optimism made Cannondale what it is today. It’s at the core of who we are. It’s in our DNA. That drive to always improve, to always push for better, and to follow your own instincts and trust in your people even when it seems a little crazy, that’s what makes Cannondale, Cannondale. It’s a special place, and I’m proud to be a part of what he created. I stand with all the people Joe’s legacy touched – employees, riders, and fans around the world – to say farewell and thank you to a great man and a visionary entrepreneur. Happy Trails, Joe. We will carry your vision proudly into the next 50 years.”
In 2004, Joe formed Systems 4PT, a SaaS company providing practice-management software to physical therapist offices nationwide. He led this company until his retirement in recent years.
Married to Celia in 1982, together they had four children. While Joe’s greatest passion was work, he also loved to fish and share the outdoors with his family – passing along a love of the outdoors to his children, Scott, Lauren, Michael, Luke, and John, and to his grandchildren, Haley, Clyde, and William.
He spent his later years with Celia in Vero Beach, passing along the conviction that bold ideas, well-made, can change the way we move through the world.
A private service will be held this weekend in Florida for family members. The family is considering a broader memorial at a later date, with details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you honour Joe by mentoring potential, taking a ride, or choosing the bold idea.
