Joe Montgomery, Cannondale pioneer

Visionary American bike maker who challenged bike industry orthodoxy in the 1980s and beyond

- Words: Adam Becket and Aaron Borrill

Joe Montgomery, the founder of Cannondale bikes, died last week aged 86 after battling heart trouble.

The American created the bike brand out of a company initially set up to make precast concrete housing, as well as other ventures. However, it was the creation of the 'Bugger' bike trailer which put Montgomery on the path to the cycling industry, with Cannondale then making bags for two-wheeled machines, before transitioning into making bikes themselves.

One of Montgomery's most significant innovations was introducing aluminium tubing into mainstream bicycle manufacturing, a move that transformed the industry by enabling large-diameter, welded aluminium tubes rather than the lugged designs of the time.

The man from Connecticut worked for the brand until the turn of the century, after which the company was sold; it is now owned by Dutch giants Pon Holdings.