The '80s Japanese bikes were often designed around 27" wheels. Put 700c's on and you have room for big tires and fenders. I've used a Japanese built Schwinn, a Sekine, a Miyata 610 and now a US but very Japanese copy 4-something Trek as my city/rain/winter fix gears for the past 40 years. I've used Mafac Racers for brakes for both the reach and all-weather stopping power. (No, they are not discs. You have to use some awareness and foresight. But they will bring you to a stop on a steep descent in the wet.)