The Salsa Journeyman can be had for around $1200 retail for the drop bar version. Prices on the flat bar are slightly lower. Good entry level bike, and can pack a 2.2" 650b tire.
My previous big tired gravel ride, the '85 Raleigh Portage, is back to wall hanger status, soon to be gone.
__________________
My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '85 Trek 500, '85 Trek 770, '81 Merckx, '85 Centurion Cinelli, '85 Raleigh Portage, '92 RB-2, '09 Bianchi