In the world of cycling, having the right equipment can augment your experience on the road significantly. One such piece of equipment that is a must for everyone is a reliable bike pump, particularly mini bike pumps that can easily be carried around during rides. Today, we delve into a review of the Cycplus mini bike pumps, specifically the AS2, AS2 Pro, and AS2 Pro Max models. We will explore their features, performance, usability, and which one might best suit your cycling needs, especially when you find yourself in a tight spot needing to inflate your tire.

Referral link to Cycplus and their pumps

Introduction to Cycplus Mini Bike Pumps

Cycplus, a brand emerging from China, has steadily gained attention among cyclists for their innovative solutions such as the AS2 series of mini bike pumps. Their commitment to quality is emphasized by their development of smart bike trainers and cycling computers, along with accessories that support the cycling community. With increasing interest in portable cycling tools, these pumps represent a viable option for those who require quick and efficient tire inflation on the go.

Unboxing the Cycplus Mini Bike Pumps: AS2, AS2 Pro, and AS2 Pro Max

Each of the three models comes with its unique specifications and features. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from the unboxing of each:

AS2 Mini Bike Pump

• Box contents: Instructions, waterproof storage bag, USB-C charging cable, and the inflator.
• Weight: 97 grams (without silicone sleeve).
• Max Pressure: 100 PSI.
• Battery: 300 mAh, up to 200 seconds of working time.
• Notable feature: This pump is fairly lightweight and designed for portability but lacks a digital pressure gauge.

AS2 Pro Mini Bike Pump

• Box contents: Instruction manual, waterproof storage bag, USB-C charging cable, nozzle adapter, and inflator.
• Weight: 120 grams (with silicone sleeve).
• Max Pressure: 120 PSI.
• Battery: 420 mAh.
• Notable feature: Comes with an LCD screen for pressure display, enhancing the pumping experience significantly.

AS2 Pro Max Mini Bike Pump

• Box contents: Instruction manual, a waterproof storage bag, USB-C charging cable, and inflator.
• Weight: 205 grams (with silicone sleeve).
• Max Pressure: 120 PSI.
• Battery: 600 mAh.
• Notable feature: Larger size but more powerful and efficient; almost doubles the pumping power of the AS2 model.

Performance Comparison

Inflation Tests: How They Stack Up

To properly assess these devices, we conducted some inflation tests on a common tire size: a 28 mm tire. Here’s how they performed:

• AS2 Pump: In about 3 minutes, it inflated the tire to approximately 76.6 PSI, operating quite hot towards the end with lower battery capacity. It’s suitable for emergencies but not ideal for regular use due to the absence of a pressure gauge.
• AS2 Pro Pump: The Pro model did this significantly faster at roughly a minute and a half for 80 PSI, allowing for clearer visibility of the tire pressure with its digital gauge that helps avoid over-inflation.
• AS2 Pro Max Pump: Impressively, the Pro Max inflated the same tire to 80 PSI in about 50 seconds, indicating its efficiency. Its larger battery allows for several inflation cycles on a single charge, making it ideal for longer rides.

The pumps do get quite hot while pumping, so the silicone sleeve definitely helps to keep the heat at bay.

Battery Life and Charging

All three pumps feature USB-C charging capabilities, which makes recharging straightforward and compatible with modern devices. Here’s a brief breakdown:

• AS2: Limited usage as backup emergency only but can inflate 1-2 road tires.
• AS2 Pro: Slightly longer battery life allows for inflation of up to 2-3 road tires.
• AS2 Pro Max: With the highest capacity, it can inflate about 3-4 tires fully on one charge.

User-Friendly Features

Setup and Operations

Each pump requires a bit of setup, particularly when switching between Presta and Schrader valves. It’s important to note:

• All three pumps utilize a screw-on hose adapter for secure fit to the valve, ensuring no air leakage during inflation.
• All models indicate battery levels with color-coded lights (green, yellow, red) to avoid running out of power unexpectedly.

Desirable Features

• The AS2 Pro and AS2 Pro Max come equipped with pressure gauges making it easier to know when to stop pumping, a significant improvement over the basic AS2 model.
• Additional Accessories: Each model includes tools for handling different valve types and a waterproof storage bag for secure transport.
• The electronic mini bike pumps can be taken on planes which make it suitable for travel, unlike CO2 cartridges. Just make sure to bring your USB-C charging cable with you to ensure it’s topped up for your ride.

Choosing the Right Pump for You

When it comes down to which model to choose, here are some final thoughts:

• Cycplus AS2: If you’re in a tight budget and need something incredibly portable for emergency scenarios, then AS2 might be sufficient but keep in mind its limitations.
• Cycplus AS2 Pro: The middle ground between cost and feature set. The inclusion of the pressure gauge is crucial for those who want to be precise while inflating their tires, especially in competitive cycling.
• Cycplus AS2 Pro Max: For serious cyclists or those who simply do not want to compromise on features and performance. This pump is powerful, fast, and has a long-lasting battery. While it’s slightly on the larger and heavier side compared to the rest of the pumps, it offers convenience for the long haul.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cycplus mini bike pumps — AS2, AS2 Pro, and AS2 Pro Max — each have unique selling points tailored to different cycling needs. For cyclists constantly on the go, a reliable pump is essential, and the Pro Max stands out as a formidable choice, combining speed, efficiency, and usability. By utilizing any of these pumps, you’ll be prepared for flat tires without hassle.

Purchase your Cycplus mini pump here

Whether you’re a casual rider or a professional cyclist, having the right pump can significantly enhance your cycling experience. Make sure to keep your chosen pump charged and ready, and happy cycling!