I have a 1982/1983 Nishiki Cresta and switched from 27" to 700c wheels. No problem with the long reach Suntour Suberbe brakes. Cantilever brakes are preferred over the sidepulls for stopping heavily loaded bikes but I replaced the brake pads with new Scott Mathauser salmon compound pads and it brakes pretty well. Crestas are great bikes for touring. Sturdy, long wheelbase, relatively light with Champion No. 2 tubing.

I think the one you are looking at is older than mid-'80s because I believe 1982 was the last year they had the sidepull brakes. Later versions came with cantilevers and they also had front fork rack braze-ons which are nice to have.

The Lotus looks nice also, you have some good options.