I have a Cannondale Quick4, which was less than $700. I have a rack on the back with panniers. I also carry a bag on the front. I can carry a lot of birding equipment in those panniers as they expand up. But yes, it can get awkward getting on the bike.

I daydream of endless bikes. If I could I would get a mixte too. The Novara Transfer looks nice, comes in multiple sizes unlike some of those bikes. My worry is how do you change the rear tire if you have a flat? That internal hub kind of messes that up.
Trek Madone 4.7 WSD
Cannondale Quick4
1969 Schwinn Collegiate, original owner
Terry Classic
Richard Feynman: “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool.”