"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."
Joe Montgomery founded Cannondale in 1971 by creating a bicycle trailer called the Bugger and later expanded product lines to include cycling apparel, bags, sleeping bags, tents, and contracted dog beds for L.L. Bean from a Bedford, Pennsylvania factory. In the 1980s he adopted heat-treated, welded aluminum frames, hired engineer David Graham, and launched the ST500, which attracted new customers and opportunities. Cannondale expanded into Europe in 1987 and established a Japan headquarters in 1991, later focusing exclusively on cycling and building race teams such as Volvo-Cannondale and Saeco-Cannondale. Montgomery later founded a practice management software company for physical therapists, recently retired, and died January 2, 2026, survived by his wife Celia, five children, and three grandchildren.
Read at Bikerumor
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