Pushing past possible. Lovable rogue. In it to win it. These traits define Cannondale today, and they trace back to 1971 when Joe Montgomery founded us in the loft of the Cannondale train station in Wilton, Connecticut.
It is with great sadness that we share Joe passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Joe was a true maverick. He dared to do things differently, reshaping the bicycle industry by pioneering lightweight aluminum frames and making innovation part of Cannondale’s DNA.
The spark that led to Cannondale started when Joe saw struggling cyclist climbing a hill with a heavy backpack. This moment inspired Cannondale’s first product, a bicycle trailer known as Bugger. From accessories and apparel to the first American-made, mass-produced aluminum frame, Joe’s vision changed cycling forever.
But it wasn’t technical skills alone that built Cannondale, it was Joe’s vision, energy and relentless optimism that made Cannondale what it is today. He trusted his team, empowered bold ideas, and inspired a culture of innovation.
We say farewell and thank you to a great man and a visionary entrepreneur.
Thank you, Joe. We will carry your vision proudly into the next 50 years.
