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. The CAAD frames, also made of aluminium, still enjoy cult status among road and mountain bike riders 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 includes all popular types of bikes. In our tests, these bikes in particular have recently attracted attention: The Gravelbike SuperX scored with more than just excellent rear comfort, the Americans are probably building the best gravel bike at the moment in terms of marks.
The E-MTB Cannondale Moterra LT 1an enduro bike with a Bosch motor, shone with a super chassis and great handling qualities. And the lightweight Cannondale Scalpel HT with the powerful Lefty fork is still a formidable cross-country hardtail.
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
