"Cannondale Bicycles has been one of the most influential brands in the history of mountain biking, for better or worse. Known for pushing the limits of suspension and drivetrain innovation, frame construction, and even a brief and failed foray into motocross, Cannondale has quite a diverse legacy. How many brands can say that? From a humble bike trailer to some of the most polarizing and eye-catching mountain bikes ever made, Cannondale is one of the longest-lasting brands in the bike industry, all thanks to Joe."
"Joe Montgomery passed away on January 2, 2026. He will be forever remembered as someone who embraced the new, appreciated the old, and saw how the humble bicycle can change the world. Although Cannondale has changed hands multiple times over the years, the core values have always remained the same: value ideas that serve riders directly. From pioneering alloy bike frame manufacturing to some of the wackiest forks and shocks on the market, Cannondale has stood the test of time"
Joe Montgomery built Cannondale into an influential, sometimes polarizing force in mountain biking by prioritizing innovation over tradition. Cannondale advanced alloy frame manufacturing and experimented with radical suspension and drivetrain designs, along with an unusual motocross effort. The brand produced both celebrated and controversial models while maintaining core values of camaraderie, curiosity, and determination. Multiple ownership changes did not erase Cannondale’s emphasis on ideas that directly serve riders. Montgomery’s death on January 2, 2026 marks the end of an era, while personal ownership and shop experience reflect enduring loyalty to the brand.
Read at BikeMag
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