There are some pretty nice new touring bikes for that $1500 range.

Bikes like the Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT) cost around $1250, and not as well equipped as some of the others in my list, about on par with the KHS.

Fuji Tour est $900 not bad for the price but the KHS has it beat for the same price.

Jamis Aurora est $950 or the Aurora Elite est $1600, the Elite is my favorite here because it has a old school look and the price is worth it because it comes with the best components by far in this list and for only $100 more than some of the others that have just average components, the Elite is a sweet bike.

KHS TR 101 Adrenalinbikes.com had this for $988, probably the best one for under $1,000.

Kona Sutra est $1500 to high priced for what you get.

Raleigh Sojourn est $1500 but not any better than the KHS!.

And Trek 520 again overpriced for what you get est $1500.

All those bikes are handled by LBS's but of course depending how big the city is you live in or live near not all may be available.