How about a complete vintage bike -hardly used as you can see- in exactly that size for just a little over your budget, delivered? See here
Does that have braze ons for a rack? Plus are the wheels 27"s? same problem as 650b's if they are, plus I've never found a particularly good 27 tyre to start with. To be honest I'm looking for something a little more modern. I'd probably set it up with a long cage rear mech and a triple on the front, plus change the brakes, so I dunno if it'd be worth while getting the whole bike.
Does that have braze ons for a rack? Plus are the wheels 27"s? same problem as 650b's if they are, plus I've never found a particularly good 27 tyre to start with. To be honest I'm looking for something a little more modern. I'd probably set it up with a long cage rear mech and a triple on the front, plus change the brakes, so I dunno if it'd be worth while getting the whole bike.