Cannondale was formed in 1971 in the loft of the Cannondale train station in Wilton, Connecticut. The company’s first product — a bicycle trailer known as the Bugger — was inspired by Montgomery after watching a struggling cyclist climb a hill with a stuffed backpack. The Bugger became the first of many product innovations that would define Cannondale’s 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. All products were manufactured in a repurposed shoe factory located in Bedford.

For years, Cannondale was a major employer in Bedford County.

“The company strongly supported our local economy through payroll, property, and wage taxes and generous charitable contributions. Joe was a strong advocate for Bedford County, often helping us to successfully recruit new employers. Cannondale had national name-brand recognition and put Bedford County on the map as a great place to do business. Joe and his Cannondale team were also early advocates of outdoor recreation. Joe and Cannondale were truly part of the fabric of Bedford County for many years,” said Bette Slayton, retired president/CEO of the Bedford County Development Association.

Cannondale founder Joe Montgomery poses with DH and carbon road bikes as part of a photo shoot. Montgomery died earlier this month at the age of 86. Courtesy photo

In the early 1980s, an engineer sent Joe a letter suggesting that bicycles predominantly produced of steel could be improved by adopting oversized aluminum heat-treated and welded. “Joe had experience from early years of his life where he crewed sailboats with masts made of oversized aluminum, so he understood the benefits of oversized aluminum structures,” Celia Montgomery recalled.

Engineer David Graham was immediately hired, development began on the first aluminum 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.

The company continued to expand, forming Cannondale Europe in 1987 and entering the Japanese market in 1991. Both initiatives were founded by Joe’s son Scott, along with key team members including Scott Bell and Michael Jackson.

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’s reputation for innovation and performance and have been followed by other strong racing and development programs that continue to this day.