I started with an Allez Sport triple, a step down from the Elite.. And I can't commend it enough. It's plenty of bike to get you started and yet wont be too bad even if you get really serious about biking.
Originally Posted by GamecockTaco
I don't have direct experience, but each of the 2 shops I frequent say triples are harder to keep tuned up. Not impossible, but harder.
That's a myth, triple aren't any harder to tune up (it's not like you do it often anyway), it's not even different than double. As long as you have the upper and lower limits set right and the cable have a tiny slack whilst in the smallest ring, you're good to go.