Optimal cycle length?

[Regulator77]

I have read some articles debating optimal cycles on this site. What is the current thinking on optimal length. Specifically, I'm still a novice and I would like to know the best cycle length for test only or test + 1 cycle. My first two cycles of test only 400 mg and 500 mg/week it seemed that things weren't really kicking in until 6-8 weeks, so 8 week cycles seem short. I don't make testosterone, so I'm not worried about suppression, but I am more concerned with aromatase enzyme increase, or decreased test cell uptake, or decreased test receptor concentration. If you have good links to posts that explain all this please share.

[vishus]

whatre your stats?

usually cycles can vary anywhere from 12-18 weeks depending on your body type and your experience with cycling

[Regulator77]

250 lb.
34 yo
18% bf approx.
24 inch thigh
15 arms
48 chest
57 shoulders
Sadly 40 waist.
1st cycle 400mg test cyp/wk x 8 weeks, little elbow tendonitis made cycle short.
2nd cycle 500mg test cyp/wk x 8 weeks, trouble getting in enough clean calories in-decided to cut short.

[hankdiesel]

15in arms at that bw. 40 in waist. Please post your diet.

[Regulator77]

Currently, I attempt to get in 6-8 serv of meat, 3-4 cups of vegetables, 8-12 serv of fruit. I do well m-f, but my weekends are usually bad eating.

[Regulator77]

I forgot to include my height, 6'4"

[Regulator77]

Even when I was under 10% fat my waist was 36. My arms are lagging, but I do have some monkey arms. My shirt length is 27 at min.

[Great White]

deca always helped me with my elbow tendinitis, may want to throw that into the mix. do you plan to drop your BF% prior to the cycle?

[Regulator77]

I am working on fat loss right now. If I can get near 10% I will start again. cant get anything but test for now unfortunately.

[ScotchGuard02]

Running Test alone with diet is a great cycle. You'll get good results.

[Pac Man]

Depends on goals. I'm currently on my longest cycle to date. 18wk, I don't think I will ever do a cycle this long again.
for me, the majority of gains are in the first 8wks.
short esters, short cycles, shorter breaks between cycles.

[songdog]

Ronnie Rowland has a good thread.I think it at the top of the page its a sticky.Good info.

[SlimJoe]

12 - 16 weeks

[Regulator77]

Thanks for the feedback