What did Joe Montgomery and Steve Jobs have in common?
They founded iconic companies and created products that changed their industries and markets. And each of them took risks that led to losing their companies, though one got his back.
So much has been said and written about Jobs that, really, I could add only the comparison I’ve just made. I am writing this post on an iPad and use an iPhone. Need I say more about his effect on my, and many other people’s, lives?
On the other hand, you’re not likely to know about Joe unless you’re (ahem!) a cyclist of a certain age. But even if you’re not an avid cyclist, you probably have heard of his company simply from seeing cyclists on their bikes.
Unlike Steve, he didn’t return to the business he started. That makes sense when you realize that Mr. Montgomery saw himself first and foremost as a problem-solver who relished a challenge.
Cannondale’s 2003 bankruptcy was a result of one of those challenges: the company’s ill-fated foray into motocross. Perhaps his successes in the company’s other ventures, most notably in cycling, imbued him with more confidence than he should’ve had. Whatever the explanation, another difficulty in his life—with joint pain—led him to create a product and start an enterprise related to it.
When he co-founded Cannondale in 1971, he had no training or experience as an engineer or a designer and while he described himself as an outdoor enthusiast, he didn’t claim to be an “avid” cyclist .
But the product for which Cannondale gained notice—the “Bugger” (I can hear my British readers snickering!)—was borne of his penchant for asking, “How can this be better?” As he recalled, he saw a cyclist struggling up a hill with a heavy backpack.
The “Bugger” is believed to be, if not the first bicycle trailer, then at least the first commercially available. It’s essentially a backpack on wheels. While it was produced for only a few years, it was influential: Not only have other bicycle trailers have been made, current cargo bikes and wheeled luggage are arguably its descendants.
During its early years, Cannondale was known mainly for bicycle accessories and other outdoor gear. My first handlebar bag, which I used on my first multiday trip and European bike tour, may well have been one of Joe’s attempts to solve a problem: Good front bag supports, and quality bicycle accessories in general, weren’t widely available in the US. My handlebar bag was constructed something like an internally-framed backpack and mounted with looped aluminum bars on the bottom of a dropped handlebar. Although it bounced a bit on rough roads, I never had any problem hauling my Honeywell Pentax with multiple lenses, a snack or two and something for impromptu encounters. (I was young; I’ll leave that to your imagination!)
And for years, my off-bike luggage was a practical and very distinctive-looking backpack and my off-bike winter outerwear was a parka, both made in the USA by Cannondale. By the time they gave out, I had been using both for nearly half of my life!
Oh, and I wore those amazing leather-and-cotton cycling gloves Cannondale made in Pennsylvania. Like Brooks saddles, they were stiff at first but a few rides broke them in. To this day, I haven’t worn any other cycling gloves as comfortable, or that lasted nearly as long.
As for the bikes: A year after they were introduced, I bought one of their racing bikes. While I was impressed with its speed and responsiveness, its ride proved harsh even for my young (at the time) bones. I understand the designs have evolved; perhaps I will try one again some day.
A few years ago, I acquired one of the company’s 1990s mountain bikes. I briefly used it as a commuter/townie. It served the purpose well. But the COVID lockdown came, which eliminated my commute. I gave that bike to someone who worked at Mount Sinai-Queens and had a two-hour walk to get his job when the subway shut down.
Whatever I thought of the racing bike’s ride, I never doubted the quality of Cannondale’s products. And while I’m mostly a traditionalist when it comes to bikes (All of my frames are steel!), I think Cannondale spurred, directly or indirectly, positive developments in componentry as well as bikes.
For them, and other reasons (I met him once: Nice guy!), I note the passing—and offer my condolences to the friends and family—of Joe Montgomery.
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