When I started riding seriously toe clips were the only option, really. I guess there was a choice between a platform style pedal (that looked a bit aero) or the standard Campy or Campy copy pedal, with a metal toe clip and leather toe strap. The platform style pedals sometimes required proprietary toe clips… but in general it was a standard world. Plastic toe clips and good and bad nylon straps were alternatives. Cinelli of all companies had a ‘clipless,’ pedal system which sort of resembled a more modern ski binding style system. These were mentioned in magazine articles but I think I saw them just once in person.