The bitcoin price has been stable through out September 2018 and like you said is like a build up for bullish trend and we should not hesitate to invest now and makes money in future. Cryptocurrencies market is going to recover but it might not be like it was in 2017.
It could be a case for a bull run, but it is actually not something anyone should be focused on right now, considering that sideways movement can eventually lead to any way, either south or north and until the break out happens before we can even ascertain where next.
One thing I am certain about right now is that this market is in an uncertain stage and expecting bull run by all means can actually end up getting some people disappointed if they end up not seeing what they expected but all the same, however the market comes there is always going to be an opportunity to take advantage of it.