See if you can find a Salsa Vaya to test ride too. It's right around your top end price but if you like it you could probably find last year's model going for a little less. I got one last year to use as my commuter bike and love it. Shops that carry Surly will sometimes have Salsas as well.
Edited to add: the Vaya 3 is the one that's close to your price range. The Vaya 2 is the more expensive version.
Last edited by ZenBiker; 08-13-2013 at 08:38 PM.
Road bike: Specialized Ruby Comp (2011)
Commuter: Salsa Vaya (2012)