The comfort issue was mainly being hunched over to far forward. With my big belly I need to be sitting a little more upright. I replaced the stem and the bike is much more comfortable to ride now. Mainly it will just take some time to get used to riding again. I adjusted the brakes for now and replaced the broken spoke. So hopefully I can get many more miles out of it with no more repairs.
Thanks for talking me out inexpensive low quality bike. I'll start saving for a quality mountain bike. Kona Hoss maybe.