Help me build a bikepacking bike!

[bikeworkshop]

Would you say 97% was low?

Yes with ebay 99%+is ok to good,
98%and under is bad.

Frameset used to be worth 200 though, and if the wheels, bb, headset are shot you can raise a case with ebay.
Everything else you'll be replacing with your budget.
You'd want new transmission tyres Cables and pads to ride to Croatia, with a touring chainset 26 36,48 for road speed.
200+60+30+10=300
Saddle and racks could be 100

Maybe BB, and grease the hubs and headset

Are you going to include the cost of 2 pairs shorts, gloves, a pair of cycling shoes in the budget?

You want to use cycling shoes even if you don't want spds - protects your foot from the leg pressure - as a rule go a euro size too large. Plenty on ebay good used condition from 20£ or so

 

[Takingabreak]

This might work… as long as you like blue

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/33577399...KJ6dne7RhC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[bikeworkshop]

This might work… as long as you like blue

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/33577399...KJ6dne7RhC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

The orbit is a bargain
(used to sell these new, although the switch to campag made touring gear choices a pita and possibly signaled the demise of the brand)

but the OP says he wants to build a tourer, not buy one, and leads towards the great versatility of the mid 90s rigid steel classics
A superb choice.

I'd buy the orbit if he offered postage, although the wheels are foul.
Deep section does nothing for ride quality, and slightly different blues give me a headache.

 

[highlandsflyer]

This might work… as long as you like blue

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/33577399...KJ6dne7RhC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

That would be well worth a train trip. Wow! I don't think you'd find a better bike for a thousand miles across Europe. Ridiculously cheap!