Hmm to me, things that stand out as truly old skool-
Only monty and megamo doing a "proper" 26" trials bike, everything else was a xc bike with a bash ring.( Chris may remember jerome spesny in spain, turning up on a xc cannondale, locking out the headshock thing as much as he could, putting a bashring on and getting 3rd in master!)
Everyone wearing one piece suits-EVERYONE
Ashton, hawyes, akrigg,were in a league of their own in the uk, and were just as big as peaty and warner in popularity.
OTN Magazine
And like chris has said, going to the worlds and seeing millions of unknown and exotic parts and brands.
I miss those days