It generally would be true that under $700 in a full on touring bike gets you only into used; and used touring bikes normally are very used

But the Windsor Tourist is every bit as nice and well spec'd as touring bikes sold in the $1000 to $1200 range, frame is made by same builder that makes most high grade steel touring bikes, and thousands of commuters & tourists have gotten great service out of this bike.

So for under $600, you can get a brand new fully equipped and properly spec'd touring bike.

{and at under $500 the Mercier Galaxy is a darn good commuter / light touring bike}

OP - I love my Jamis Quest. It has complete braze-ons for all the panniers you can carry, 30 gears for when you're loaded down & relaxed geometry for a comfortable ride, whether it's a few miles or a couple hundred. I've used it for my 5 mile commute, my 25 mile commute & I've ridden the Katy Trail & the MS 150.

I got it used off ebay for $700 & the only thing I've done to it in the last 2.5 years is put on new tires & replaced the rear rim I taco'd. The frame will hold 25c tires & MAYBE 28 (never tried).

I also like LeMond bikes for all-around versatility & comfort of geometry, etc. - easy to ride, light(ish), good components etc.

thanks for everybody's help