I’m looking to purchase a bike (probably second hand) and I want to make sure that it’ll be easily repairable in the future for at least standard maintenance stuff.
Thing is, I don’t know anything about bikes- I’ve heard people say off hand that modern bikes might perform better but are less maintanable, is this a thing? What qualities/features in a bike tell me that it’ll be easier to maintain in the long run?
A hybrid bike would be a great place to start. Your first bike is rarely your last. As you ride it, you’ll gradually learn what you like and don’t like about it. Some things can be replaced or upgraded. Eventually you’ll have a better idea of what to get for your second bike. If you’re buying used, make sure there are no signs of rust, the brakes and shifters work as expected, there are no squeaky or metal-on-metal sounds, and the bike is appropriately sized for you, and you should be good to go.
Also, you don’t have to do all the maintenance yourself. Bike service is usually pretty cheap. Some things I do myself, but when it requires special tools, the bike shop makes more sense.