Creatine is best when cycled. 8 weeks on followed by 4 off is suggested by Creapure.com. I like to time this with my cycles, so that I am on the first 7 or 8 weeks of a cycle, and after 4 off, start again when going off my cycle (good to use as part of your post cycle gainskeeping strategy). Also creatine does not necessarily cause you to retain sub Q H20, nor does it make you fat. It causes you to retain Intramuscular H20 which gives your muscles a fuller effect---a desired effect while either bulking or cuttting, not to mention gives great strength gains.