I think also that components could play a more important role in the identity of a bike than people so far have said. I mean, if I took a bike that came originally with Sun Tour components from the 80s and put on a Shimano Di2 system, I think I would have to parse the situation again.
Or, I can recall a TdF picture of Lemond with a TT bike, Mavic derailleur, and Simplex Retrofriction downtubers. Or Armstrong with a rear brifter and a front downtuber. Change those things and the iconic set up is no more.
Or, the XO-1 was defined 1) as a Grant Petersen bike but 2) that bike with mustache handlebars. A lot changed between year 1 and year last on the XO-1 but the bars defined the bike. If I had the chance to get my hands on an XO-1 today, the last thing I would change would be the bars.