Background and Identification
Cannondale Bicycle Corporation is an American division of Dorel Industries that produces bicycles. Dorel Industries is a Canadian company that manufactures juvenile products, bicycles, and home furnishings.
Cannondale was founded in 1971 as a precast concrete housing manufacturer. Joe Montgomery, one of Cannondale’s founders, invented the Bugger bicycle trailer after a camping bike trip with his son. Along with the bicycle trailer, the founders began producing bicycle bags and cargo carriers. Cannondale quickly became the world’s largest manufacturer of lightweight bicycle bags. Cannondale then entered the camping goods market, producing backpacks and tents. Once immersed in the retail bicycle industry, Cannondale began developing aluminum bicycle frames.
Cannondale introduced its first bicycle, the ST-500, in 1983. The ST-500 was a road bike that ditched the industry-standard steel for lighter and stiffer aluminum. In 1996, Cannondale introduced the CAAD series (Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design) of road bikes. The CAAD series remains Cannondale’s main product line.
Today, Cannondale produces high-end bicycles manufactured in Taiwan rather than the United States. While many bicycle frame manufacturers use steel or titanium, Cannondale produces bicycles made of aluminum and carbon fiber.
Cannondale bicycles can be identified by the name “Cannondale” printed in lowercase letters on the side of the bike’s frame. The company produces racing, touring, kids’, electric, and mountain bicycles.