We are saddened to hear of the passing of Cannondale founder and bike industry pioneer Joe Montgomery. Montgomery passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 86.
Montgomery’s Legacy
Montgomery founded Cannondale in 1971, not by creating a bike, but a bicycle trailer known as the Bugger. Throughout the 70s, Cannondale involved themselves in many outdoor pursuits, producing cycling apparel, bike bags, sleeping bags, and tents. They were even producing dog beds for L.L. Bean out of their Bedford, Pennsylvania, factory.
In the 80s, Montgomery was introduced to the idea of building bike frames from heat-treated, welded aluminum rather than steel. Cannondale brought on engineer David Graham, and the brand launched the ST500. The launch of the new aluminum offering attracted new customers and created opportunities for Cannondale.
In 1987, Cannondale expanded into Europe. In 1991, there would be a headquarters in Japan. These expansions were due in part to Montgomery’s son and other crucial members of the Cannondale team. Eventually, the Cannondale brand would entirely focus on cycling, building iconic race teams such as Volvo-Cannondale and Saeco-Cannondale.
After leaving Cannondale, Montgomery founded a software company in 2004 that sells practice management software to physical therapists. Only recently did he retire from that latest venture.
Montgomery is survived by his wife, Celia; his five children, Scott, Lauren, Michael, Luke, and John; and three grandchildren. Our thoughts are with them during this time.
Testimonials
Jeff McGuane, President of Revelyst Adventure Sports
“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.”
Mike Sinyard, founder & owner, Specialized Bicycles
“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.”
(On an interesting note, Sinyard was a proud owner of a Cannondale Bugger, which he used to carry Specialized components, selling them store to store.)
Mike Stimola, CEO, ENVE Composites
“Joe was one of a kind –- an entrepreneur, a visionary, a generous mentor, a pilot, hardworking and fun-loving — whose influence touched countless lives.”
A celebration of Joe Montgomery’s life will be announced at a later date. The family asks that instead of sending flowers, “honor Joe by mentoring potential, taking a ride, or choosing the bold idea.”
