Pioneer and company founder: Cannondale mourns the loss of Joe Montgomery
Julian Schultz
· 13.01.2026
The cycling world mourns the loss of one of its pioneers: Joe Montgomery passed away on 2 January 2026. This has now been announced by Cannondale, which the US American founded in 1971. Under Montgomery's leadership, the brand from the state of Connecticut produced the first aluminium frame manufactured in the USA and set new standards for lightweight construction in cycling at the time. The touring ST500 paved the way for other aluminium classics in 1983, and the CAAD, also made of aluminium, still enjoys cult status among racing cyclists today. Most recently, a leak on the internet caused a stir: An online retailer had listed the successor to the current CAAD13.
It all started with a trailer
Before Montgomery made a name for himself in the production of complete bikes, he initially launched a bicycle trailer called Bugger. He subsequently expanded the business segment to include accessories and clothing before adding a bicycle to the portfolio for the first time in the early 1980s. According to the manufacturer, the attic of a railway station in Wilton served as the first office. Its name: Cannondale.
Development in Freiburg
Today, the US manufacturer's range covers all popular bicycle categories. Two bikes in particular recently attracted attention in the TOUR test: both the SuperX gravel bike and the Synapse endurance model scored points with their high level of suspension comfort. As with many manufacturers, the framesets are now produced in the Far East, and Cannondale also has a development office in Freiburg im Breisgau.
After retiring from the operative business, Montgomery dedicated himself to the healthcare sector, as Cannondale states in his obituary. It concludes with the following words: "Joe Montgomery brought Cannondale to life. The road continues to carry that influence."
Julian Schultz
Editor
