First off, there are people on YouTube who are firmly convinced that the earth is flat. That the government is tracking them. That Elvis is alive, etc.

I have 3 high level steel road bikes. They’re ok.

As for adjusting brakes on the side of the road? That’s a fallacy the anti-hydro crowd puts forth. With mechanical you can replace the cable or recenter the pads sure. With hydro, you don’t have to because they don’t need it.

With the exception of a pretty severe crash, properly maintained and decent quality hydro’s are going to go several years between adjustments.

But if you’re really looking for a bike to ride to the edge of the ice wall, just get rim brakes. They aren’t better but they fit the vibe.