Hi,
I just picked up a 2006 GF catalog and didn't even know that they made the Montare. I have a 2005 HKEK and have been thinking of selling it to get a Cobia. I have read the reviews on the Cobia and while they have good things to say about the 29" platform, the components.fork are definitely lower level. The Montare appears to use the same frame as all the other GF 29'ers but with a much better mix of components; LX/XT. The fork is a shorter travel 75mm but with a lockout. The crank is a 48/36/26 which is right up my alley. I had put a 46t on my HKEK but could certainly use a little taller gearing still but I am brushing up against tight frame tolerances. The Montare is $100 more than the Cobia but if I can find a buyer for my HKEK that's where I'm headed !!!
Joe