Modern bikes being less maintainable is largely on the extreme low-end like Walmart bikes, or extreme high end carbon-fiber nonsense designed for rich weekend warriors.
Best if you find a shop that deals in second-hand bikes and get a cheap one. A bike that has been maintained by such a shop is likely to continue being maintainable. Plus you may not know what kind of bike you like til you ride it for a while so don't spend too much for your first one.
Very nice looking knife.
Mostly I use a regular kitchen knife (ie non serrated) for bread too, just have to keep it very sharp. It's carbon steel so it's easy to hone and strop.