It is with a mix of heartfelt emotions and sincere gratitude that we announce the retirement of Jude Monica on December 31st, 2025. Jude has been an invaluable member of the Magura USA team for the past 23 years, contributing significantly to our success through his technical knowledge and expertise. He has been an amazing mentor, colleague, and friend to many of us.
Andrew Major, writer and mountain bike enthusiast, recently sat down with Jude to reminiscence -
With barely showing edges of a wry smile and a keen sparkle in his eyes, Jude Monica slides easily into a room full of mechanics to discuss service on the freshly released Gustav-M hydraulic disc brake. It is the late '90s, and in a career that will touch four decades, the name 'Jude' will become synonymous with Magura's focus on the best customer service and support. As we contemplate the official retirement of our own 'romantic mechanic,' we here at Magura are at a loss for much to say beyond "Thank you, Jude."
Showing up is Jude's superpower. At shops and events blanketing North America, through e-mails and over the phone. He has been a natural teacher, peer, and friend to countless mechanics and riders. Part long-haul trucker, part hydraulic whisperer, an artist on the tools, and a lover of life on two wheels. His twin passions for bicycles and motorcycles, "Controlling two gyroscopes" as he calls it, dovetail perfectly with our own.
An auto mechanic by trade, Jude's start at Magura came from running our products, hydraulic rim brakes, and two simple questions. One, "Do you know how to work on those?"
And two, "What are you doing next weekend?" Jude has too many supporters in the industry to properly praise them all here, but he would like to specifically thank Chris at Monkeywrench Bicycle Service, our one-time neutral-support partner on the NORBA circuit, for giving him a start.
Asked about his favorite part of the job, Jude's unequivocal answer is his travels. The people. The adventures. Riding local trails and meeting local riders across North America. Visiting shops in between the endless events he's attended and experiencing first-hand his belief that if "More people rode bikes, we'd all be friendlier." He encourages everyone to chase the feelings of "Fractional gs from deceleration," the wind in your face, and the uninhibited sounds of birds chirping. Some things we all need in our lives.
While we will miss his presence deeply, we are also excited for him as he moves on to enjoy this next chapter in life. On behalf of everyone at Magura USA in Olney, Illinois, we sincerely congratulate Jude on his retirement and extend him best wishes as he begins this new journey. His legacy here will inspire us for years to come.
Enjoy the ride, Jude - you've earned it!
