Copperskier,

Since you say you want the bike for workouts and distances for FUN, I would recommend going with the triple. Since it doesn't sound as if you're going to be using the bike for racing, I don't think the extra weight (1/4 lb.) will be noticeable. I also agree with what mrfix said about using a tightly spaced cassette. That gives you good cruising gears for group rides as well as low gears for hills. If the bike fits, stick with the triple.

SteveE