Hey Moisture, You might want to consider Tektro cross/inline brakes if you want to keep your hands on top and have access to the brakes. Rotating your bars isn't always the answer. Congrats on the new to you bike. Enjoy
If the frame will handle them, 28mm tires are much softer than 25 or 23mm no matter what brand because they usually run lower pressures than the narrower tires.
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/15441198267...sAAOSwzVxgdFpk) link for inline brake levers.