i subscribe to the thinking that you don't have to necessarily max yourself out naturally before doing your first cycle. more important is how much of a foundation you have built, especially how much you've developed your connective tissues consistently over a period of time. this could take a year or two, but as long as this important element of the game is addressed, using gear will just maximize efficiency and effectiveness. if you're going to spend the same amount of money on food and the same amount of time in the gym, why not get the most out of it? the longer you continue naturally near the point of diminished returns, the more your resources are just going down the drain.
i will agree with everyone's consensus that you're too young, OP. i think it's best to wait till you're at least 30 unless you plan on competing in your 20's. i started gear at 33 years old, when my natural hormone levels started to drop.