for your budget, you'd be better off finding a hybrid type bike that at least has three gears in the front, and larger ones in the back than this bike. Around here in Canada, there are not a lot of used "touring bikes" as such for sale used, and the good ones that are are much more than you wish to spend, so the "hybrid" type bikes available will be a lot cheaper and still be reasonably suited for what you want to do, but its always hit and miss with used bicycles.