There is such a thing as cycles without test, cutting and bulking. Not many should be though. Some test can be great for cutting. It can help keep the muscle on and drive going while on a depleting diet. Water retention can also be some of the "gains" people mention too, which of course most of us don't want to look puffy while trying to look cut. This can be kept to a minimum through proper choices and management of diet and drvgs. Seems most times when you see folks starting out doing that test only cycle they're new, and looking for bulk.