If we talk competitiveness, the new bike is objectively better. if we talk about durability, serviceability, simplicity, maybe not.
That's what bothers me in this debate, is that people take it for granted that there are 40-year-old bikes that are still ridden today.
What about in 2062? Are there bicycles, that are bought in 2022, still in use then? Proprietary parts, integrated cockpits etc... Where get spare parts if manufacturer stopped making bikes 20 years ago?
Old bikes had standard parts that were easy to find and replace and bikes were simple to service. Thats the reason why there are still 40 year old bikes that people still rides.