I started in the late 80s and at that time test was there in the cycles, but it was secondary - at least in me and my associates. Thats said, it was never absent.
I would probably max out with 2cc of Upjohn or Steris test cypionate a week. Depending on what was available there would be various nandrolone esters, low concentration EQ, parabolan, primobolan, Winstrol-V, anadrol, anavar, and Russian or German Dbol. I always favored anabolics and we tended to view test as bloat and sides in a bottle (there were no AIs, Nolva hard to get). It was just cheap at $10-14 dollars a vial so the poor young kids were on it, furthering it's unpopular image. We'd call these guys the "Melon Patch Kids" (Cabbage Patch doll era) because they were so bloated, like melons.
I still prefer a higher anabolic than test, but that's just me and I don't know if it's the best option - just what I like.