The lotus is the best and the shimano cantilever brakes it has are the best brake to accommodate the conversion from 27" to 700. It appears to have nice deore components.
The nishiki appears to be more ready to ride and if that is important you should go that route. Also the lotus is more like a 49cm bike, I just noticed... so it might be too small for you? How tall are you?
The Panasonic may be the best bike (same brakes as lotus) and it is a size larger. I'd change the crank out though.
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1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
Last edited by cyclotoine; 12-03-14 at 11:48 AM.