I bought an 05 Tourmalet ($1100). 6'1 and the 57 is PURRRRFECT! Wheels at my wieght (220-230) are junk. Got 4,000 out of the rear (8 months). SO far 7,000 out of the front and it's ready to go!
Tires are junk too! First century on the bike, the rear sidewall split on a rock. Sencond century, other wheels sidewall split on a rock. Ditch 'em quick! Were 25 Bontragers.
25 size were fine. but I run 23's at 230 lbs. I built Veloctiy Deep V for the rear,32 3 cross spokes. For the front I will use a Mavic cxp 33 rim, 32 spokes 3 cross.
Double or triple shifting I agree is bogus. I have a double and a triple and both are excellent in the shift dept. But ou gotta learn to adjust yourself so you can make on the road fine adjustments. Bike shop guys wil turn the barrel a couple of times then kick your azz out the door.
I have trained for climbing rides and don't have problems using a double 39/25 for a century with 10,000 climbing at 220. But the triple is a lil more comfy on the legs when I'm not training.