Cycplus AS2 Electric Bike Pump Review – AS2 vs AS2 Pro vs AS2 Pro Max vs CO2 Cartridges

As a keen cyclist, one of my biggest annoyances (after cars) is flat tyres. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as getting a flat tyre when you’re 20 miles from home. Mini pumps are a great idea in theory, but I often find them unreliable. CO2 cartridges were a revelation when I first tried them, but they come with their own set of issues.

I’ve had experiences where a tyre failed to inflate, and more than once, I’ve not fitted a new inner correctly and ended up with a second flat. I typically only carry two cartridges, so getting a flat can be a nerve-wracking experience. Additionally, if I’m reasonably close to home, I’ll often try to inflate the flat tyre and attempt to get home before it deflates. This rarely works out well.

I now cycle to work semi-frequently on my Vanpowers City Vanture. Fortunately, I haven’t had a flat yet, but it’s inevitable, and it would be beneficial to have an alternative to cartridges or mini pumps. Cycplus offers that alternative in the form of the AS2 mini electric tyre inflators. Three models are available, each with different capacities and features. All are compact enough to fit in a bike bag or a jersey pocket.

While I wouldn’t say these are superior to CO2 cartridges, they are an excellent alternative. Let’s delve into the details of these electric bike pumps and see how they stack up against traditional CO2 cartridges.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	CYCPLUS Tiny Electric Bike Pump - Portable Ultra-Mini 100PSI...	No ratings yet	£79.99	Buy on Amazon
	CYCPLUS Tiny Bicycle Pump with Gauge, Max 120 PSI Electric...	No ratings yet	£84.99	Buy on Amazon

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Specification / Features

The Cycplus AS2 range consists of three models: the AS2, AS2 Pro, and AS2 Pro Max. Each model has its own set of specifications and features, catering to different cycling needs.

Buying Advice

When considering which model to purchase, it’s worth taking into account your specific cycling needs and preferences:

AS2: This model is lightweight and compact, making it suitable for on-road emergencies for road cyclists. However, it lacks a pressure gauge, which might be a drawback for some users.

AS2 Pro: With an upgraded motor and battery capacity, this model includes a pressure gauge. It’s ideal for emergencies and daily use, with a 120 PSI capacity.

AS2 Pro Max: This is the largest of the three, with a robust battery capable of inflating mountain bike or motorcycle tyres. Despite its increased size, it’s still pocket-sized and convenient for travel and races.

Comparison with CO2 Cartridges

While CO2 cartridges have been a popular choice for cyclists for quick tyre inflation, the Cycplus AS2 range offers some distinct advantages:

1. Reusability: Unlike CO2 cartridges which are single-use, the AS2 pumps can be recharged and used multiple times.
2. Consistency: CO2 cartridges can be inconsistent, sometimes failing to inflate a tyre properly. The AS2 pumps provide consistent inflation every time.
3. Precision: The Pro and Pro Max models allow for precise pressure settings, which is not possible with CO2 cartridges.
4. Cost-effectiveness: While the initial investment is higher, over time, the AS2 pumps can be more cost-effective than repeatedly purchasing CO2 cartridges.
5. Versatility: The AS2 pumps can handle a wide range of tyre sizes and pressures, making them suitable for various types of bikes.

However, CO2 cartridges still have some advantages:

1. Speed: CO2 cartridges can inflate a tyre much faster than the AS2 pumps.
2. Weight: A CO2 inflator with a couple of cartridges is typically lighter than even the smallest AS2 pump.
3. No charging required: CO2 cartridges don’t need to be charged, which can be an advantage on very long rides or bikepacking trips.

AS2 vs AS2 Pro vs AS2 Pro Design Comparison

The design of the Cycplus AS2 range is sleek and modern, with each model sharing a similar aesthetic but differing in size and features. The AS2, being the most compact, is perfect for those who prioritise minimalism and weight savings. The AS2 Pro strikes a balance between size and functionality, while the AS2 Pro Max offers the most power in a slightly larger package.

All three models feature a durable aluminium alloy body, which not only looks premium but also provides excellent heat dissipation during use. The buttons are tactile and responsive, with the Pro and Pro Max models featuring an easy-to-read LED display for real-time pressure monitoring.

The extended hose, present in all models, is a thoughtful addition that allows for easier access to valves, especially on deep-section wheels. The Type-C charging port is another modern touch, ensuring compatibility with most current smartphone chargers.

Performance and Usability

The performance of the Cycplus AS2 range is impressive, especially considering their compact size. Let’s look at the claimed performance of the AS2 Pro as an example:

These figures suggest that the AS2 Pro is capable of handling a variety of tyre sizes and pressures efficiently.

In terms of usability, the Cycplus AS2 range is designed to be user-friendly. The process of inflating a tyre is straightforward:

1. Remove the valve cap and attach the pump head to the valve.
2. Turn on the pump and set the desired pressure (for Pro and Pro Max models).
3. Press the start button and wait for the pump to reach the set pressure.
4. Once finished, detach the pump head and replace the valve cap.

The real-time pressure display on the Pro and Pro Max models adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing users to monitor the inflation process accurately.

Inflating Presta Road Bike Tyres with the Cycplus AS2

In real-world testing, the Cycplus AS2 range performs well. The AS2 Pro, for example, can inflate a 700x25c road tyre from flat to 100 PSI in about 90 seconds. This is slower than a CO2 cartridge but much faster than a traditional mini pump.

The battery life is impressive, with the AS2 Pro capable of inflating two tyres to 110 PSI on a single charge. The Pro Max model goes even further, able to handle four tyres at 120 PSI.

One potential drawback is the noise level. The pumps are not silent, and some users might find them louder than expected. However, this is a minor issue considering the convenience they offer.

The build quality of the Cycplus AS2 range is generally good, with the aluminium body feeling sturdy and well-made. The buttons are responsive, and the LED display on the Pro and Pro Max models is clear and easy to read.

Price and Alternative Options

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	CYCPLUS Tiny Electric Bike Pump - Portable Ultra-Mini 100PSI...	No ratings yet	£79.99	Buy on Amazon
	CYCPLUS Tiny Bicycle Pump with Gauge, Max 120 PSI Electric...	No ratings yet	£84.99	Buy on Amazon

The Cycplus AS2 models are available directly from Cycplus priced at:

• Cycplus AS2: $89 / £70.21
• Cycplus AS2 Pro: $109 / £85.98
• Cycplus AS2 Pro Max: $129 / £101.76

The A2 Pro is also available on Amazon for £120, and the S2 is available for £67. The AS Pro Max does not appear to be listed.

As you’d expect with Amazon, there are plenty of alternative options including:

• TOPtoper A3 Max Mini Electric Bike Pump, which is only £67 and appears to be a good alternative to the AS2 Pro Max, but it is bigger and fractionally heavier.
• TOPUMP TB2 Pro is available for £90 and looks like a good alternative to the AS2 Pro or the TB2 for £50, which is similar to the AS2 but heavier.

There are many other options listed under mini electric bike pump at different price points, but the Cycplus seems to be the best-reviewed option.

Co2 cartridge pumps are cheaper upfront, with options like the GEWAGE CO2 Air Pump available for under £20. This then comes with 4 cartridges with replacement cartridges costing around £1 each, so in the long term, this would likely work out more expensive.

Normal manual mini bike pumps are available for under £10, but I’d recommend spending a bit extra and getting one from a reputable brand with good sturdy build quality.

Overall

The Cycplus AS2 are superb and a brilliant alternative to Co2 cartridge pumps. In particular, they are great for someone like me who is forgetful and disorganised. I don’t have to worry about if I have enough Co2 cartridges (or trying to find where I put them).  I just have to worry about having a full charge, and in the worst-case scenario, that means I have to wait an hour for the AS2 Pro Max to fully charge.

The AS2 models technically take up less space than CO2 if you carry multiple cartridges as well, which is always a bonus for cyclists.

That being said, I wouldn’t say that the AS2 pumps are better than CO2. They are significantly slower to inflate your tyres than CO2, so I wouldn’t use them during an event. Even if it is none competitive, I don’t want something slowing me down more than needed.

Going forward, for my road bike, I will almost certainly carry the AS2 Pro with me at all times and likely use it in combination with a CO2 pump but carry just one cartridge with me, so I have the flexibility to inflate a tyre quickly and have the piece of mind that I have the  AS2 Pro as a backup.

For my daily commute, I will leave the AS2 Pro Max in my bag as my primary pump.

Overall, the Cycplus AS2 models are not the perfect solution, but I still love them and can thoroughly recommend them.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API