Trek Crossrip looks like a really fun bike, and you might still be able to get a 2012 closeout within your budget.
Here's one that is a bit more "roadie" oriented, but a great value:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...ODUCT.ID=32174
And this one:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...ODUCT.ID=32386
This one looks fun. Rack mounts and a flat bar, but a "speedy" design.
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...ODUCT.ID=19310