{"id":397664,"date":"2026-01-07T14:28:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T14:28:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/397664\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T14:28:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T14:28:09","slug":"remembering-joe-montgomery-cycling-pioneer-and-cannondale-founder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/397664\/","title":{"rendered":"Remembering Joe Montgomery, cycling pioneer and Cannondale founder"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cycling pioneer and Cannondale founder Joe Montgomery passed away on Friday, January 2nd, at 86, as confirmed by Celia Montgomery, his wife. He is survived by Celia, five children, and three grandchildren.<\/p>\n

Cannondale was formed in 1971 in the loft of the Cannondale train station in Wilton, Connecticut. The company\u2019s first product \u2013 a bicycle trailer known as Bugger \u2013 was inspired by Montgomery after watching a struggling cyclist climb a hill with a stuffed backpack.<\/p>\n

The Bugger became the first of many product innovations that would define Cannondale\u2019s storied history. Throughout the 1970s, the company grew steadily, manufacturing cycling apparel, bike bags, tents, sleeping bags, and even contracted and manufactured dog beds for the famous L.L. Bean brand.<\/p>\n

All products were manufactured in a repurposed shoe factory located in Bedford, Pennsylvania. In the early 1980s, an engineer sent Joe a letter suggesting that bicycles predominantly made of steel could be improved by adopting oversized aluminium, heat-treated, and welded components. Celia Montgomery recalled, \u201cJoe had experience from early years of his life where he crewed sailboats with masts made of oversized aluminium, so he understood the benefits of oversized aluminium structures.\u201d<\/p>\n

Engineer David Graham was immediately hired, development began on the first aluminium bicycle, and Cannondale launched the ST500 for a retail price of $495, a significant premium for a bicycle at the time. The innovation attracted new customers and helped redefine the modern bicycle.<\/p>\n

The company continued to expand, forming Cannondale Europe in 1987 and entering the Japanese market in 1991. Both initiatives were founded by Joe\u2019s son Scott, along with key team members including Scott Bell and Michael Jackson.<\/p>\n

Over time, the company became fully focused on cycling, went public in 1994, and rose in stature through successful professional racing programs such as Volvo-Cannondale and later Saeco-Cannondale. These programs enhanced the brand\u2019s reputation for innovation and performance, and have been followed by other strong racing and development programs that continue to this day.<\/p>\n

Montgomery grew up in Coshocton, Ohio, a small town where his father, Ed Montgomery, pioneered the use of latex to replace rubber for the manufacturing of industrial-use gloves. Ed founded EdMont Gloves, passing on a legacy of entrepreneurship and innovation that would profoundly shape his son\u2019s career.<\/p>\n

Testimonials:<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe 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.\u201d Mike Sinyard, founder & owner, Specialized Bicycles. Sinyard famously bought a Bugger and used it to ride from store to store to sell early Specialized component products.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was one of a kind \u2013 an entrepreneur, a visionary, a generous mentor, a pilot, hardworking and fun-loving \u2013 whose influence touched countless lives.\u201d \u2013 Mike Stimola, CEO, ENVE Composites<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Montgomery was the rare leader who saw not only who you were, but who you could become\u2013and 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.\u201d \u2013 Jeff McGuane, President, Revelyst Adventure Sports<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Montgomery was the man behind Cannondale, the bicycle and motorcycle company \u2013 that for better or worse \u2013 always dared to do things differently. I respected Joe for the gumption and enthusiasm he wore on his sleeve.\u201d \u2013 Zap Espinoza, Editor & Content, KTM Motorcycles<\/p>\n

\u201cAs just another of many, many Cannondale dealers, Joe treated me like gold. I\u2019m not one to look up to people as heroes, but Joe Montgomery held that position.\u201d \u2013 Tomais Hinchcliff, Genesis Bicycles, Easton, PA<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was a visionary, a strong leader, a trailblazer, and to some, a cowboy. I had the privilege of meeting him when I was 23, just four years after we started Incycle. Joe not only gave Incycle a fighting shop, but he also mentored me and taught me life lessons for which I am forever grateful. \u2013 Mark Smitz, Founder, Incycle, San Dimas, CA<\/p>\n

\u201cTruly, Joe was one of a kind, and he was one of the very few I looked up to. I loved your Dad, and this crazy world we\u2019re living in will not be the same without him.\u201d \u2013 Jay Wolff, Founder, Helen\u2019s Cycles, Santa Monica, CA<\/p>\n

After a challenging foray into the production of motocross motorcycles and ATVs, the company was sold and changed hands several times. Today it is a wholly owned subsidiary of PON Bike, where the brand continues to thrive.<\/p>\n

Marco Kind, Managing Director, said, \u201cThey say we stand on the shoulders of giants. Well, it\u2019s true, and for us, Joe is that giant. He was a legend. A true original. There will never be another like him, that\u2019s for sure. We all owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. His vision, his energy, and his relentless optimism made Cannondale what it is today. It\u2019s at the core of who we are. It\u2019s in our DNA. That drive to always improve, to always push for better, and to follow your own instincts and trust in your people even when it seems a little crazy, that\u2019s what makes Cannondale, Cannondale. It\u2019s a special place, and I\u2019m proud to be a part of what he created. I stand with all the people Joe\u2019s legacy touched \u2013 employees, riders, and fans around the world \u2013 to say farewell and thank you to a great man and a visionary entrepreneur. Happy Trails, Joe. We will carry your vision proudly into the next 50 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2004, Joe formed Systems 4PT, a SaaS company providing practice-management software to physical therapist offices nationwide. He led this company until his retirement in recent years.<\/p>\n

Married to Celia in 1982, together they had four children. While Joe\u2019s greatest passion was work, he also loved to fish and share the outdoors with his family \u2013 passing along a love of the outdoors to his children, Scott, Lauren, Michael, Luke, and John, and to his grandchildren, Haley, Clyde, and William.<\/p>\n

Joe is survived by his wife of 43 years, Celia; his children, Scott, Lauren, Michael, Lucas, and John; and his grandchildren, Haley, Clyde, and William.<\/p>\n

He spent his later years with Celia in Vero Beach, passing along the conviction that bold ideas, well made, can change the way we move through the world.<\/p>\n

A private service will be held this weekend in Florida for family members. The family is considering a broader memorial at a later date, with details to be announced.<\/p>\n

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you honor Joe by mentoring potential, taking a ride, or choosing the bold idea.<\/p>\n

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