If you are comfortable with sizing, you can save a lot of money buying used, through Craigs List or similar. I bought my Trek 950 for $75 on C/L. Although it is a mountain bike, with the right tires, it is good on road, on the trail or whatever. I am currently setting it up as a touring bike.
The older rigid framed mountain bikes are very durable and very adaptable. Mine is a lugged steel frame bike.