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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 17th
HOW DO WE DECIDE OUR OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
CycPlus AS2 Pro Max E.Pump
205g $129 (£100 at time of writing)
The CycPlus AS2 Pro Max E.Pump is best thought of as a portable compressor and is genuinely capable of delivering 120psi into a 700x23 tyre and manage several rounds between charges. This version, though compact is intended for home use but thanks to the integral (and very accurate) digital gauge, I’ve found it a great fit for my needs.
The only consideration (and this goes for compressors per se) is noise - it is VERY loud in confined spaces, so reach for the track pump if you’re up at 5am for a blast.
Pros: Very solid, user friendly, pressure range caters for most riding contexts, accurate gauge quick charging.
Cons: Noisy.
Specification
Weighing 205g and measuring 60x32x81mm it will fit into a jersey pocket, provided you didn’t mind it bobbing about like a playful labrador. Panniers, bar bag, or similar luggage are much better hosts.
Build quality is reassuringly high. It features an anodised aluminium alloy CNC machined body, which aside from protecting the internals from the everyday knocks, serves as a heat sink, giving switchgear and circuitry a sporting chance of reaching old age.
In common with other models, including the Fumpa FUMPA PUMP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) I tested a few years back, it employs brushless motor technology. Brushless motors are more expensive but are more efficient, so the battery will run longer between charges.
It also comes complete with a silicone case. This leaves the USB charge port exposed but there’s a waterproof sack to give more holistic protection from the elements.
The 11.1 V 600mAh Lithium-Ion battery fully juiced, is reckoned good for 4 tyres - zero to 120psi. The easy-to-read digital gauge means over-inflation is down to human error, since crucially, you can set it to a desired pressure and the unit will beep when this has been reached it will cut out.
A reversible extension hose is a welcome addition to the press-on, making for easier access and reduces the likelihood of valve stem damage. In terms of output, I’m told it will deliver 30 litres of air per minute and, as I said in my opening paragraph, four 700c tyres to 120psi, or a 29x2.2 from flaccid to 28psi four times, fully charged. There’s also an adaptor for footballs and similar, which is handy around the home, a trip to the park, or on tour.
Ease Of Use 3.75/5
I’ve found it intuitive but take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the instructions. Toggle between Bar or PSI, select the pressure and you’re almost ready to go... When tackling pancake flat tyres, plug onto the valve and press. If topping up, start before attaching to the valve.
It can be used as a press-fit, or with the hose (which is my preference on valve stems longer than 48mm). The latter improves accessibility while reducing the likelihood of valve damage- the last thing you want is to get a new tube in, only to rip the valve clean off! The unit will cut out upon reaching the selected pressure, so no fear of whacking 100psi in a tyre designed for 60. Uncouple the end as you would any other pump, power off, or tackle another tyre.
The double-ended design is particularly welcome if you’re a mixed riding group, or the solo bike’s running Presta and the tagalong/trailer, Shrader. Not as simple as the smart head types but given the “smart” designs use springs and other moving parts, they eventually fail and usually at the least convenient moment.
Charge/Run Times 3.5/5
CycPlus cite charge times as an hour-I’ve found 50 minutes, fuelling from the mains. It is possible to refuel from a Dynamo USB plug in, but bargain on a few hours. Still practical for touring though, if disciplined. True to claims in temperatures between 5 and 28 degrees, I’ve managed 4 700cx25 to 120psi, two 700x40c and a 16x1.75 to 50, 60 and 50 psi respectively, 2 26x2.2 to 65psi apiece and a 16x1.75 to 50 from a full charge. Topping up, say from 30-50 psi obviously puts far less of a dent in things, so no need to charge immediately afterward (although aside from testing manufacturer claims, I have done so to optimise battery health).
Performance 4/5
Being the biggest in the family and given the capacity, I was expecting it to be swift and it hasn’t disappointed. CO2 cartridges will have an edge if outright speed is your thing, but in my experience, they’re not the most controlled of discharges. True to claims, I’ve had a 700x25c from 0 to 120psi in the 75 seconds cited and bigger volume, 700x38 and 40c tyres from zero to 50 and 60psi in 80 seconds.
Considerably quicker than a hand pump and broadly in step with bigger units, such as the Fumpa Pump.
Topping up is another thing you can’t really do with a Co2 inflator, without discharging the whole cartridge and aside from the usual 5-10 psi weekly top ups, I’ve raised 700x40 and 26x2.22 from 30 to 50 psi in 20 seconds apiece. Really controlled delivery and when cross referenced with my long serving SKS Air Checker, it’s been within .5 PSI, which is close enough for all but the most obsessive, some might say pedantic of riders/mechanics. The unit generates modest heat, which hasn’t been problematic on hot days and a welcome antidote to the frigid discharge of a Co2 cartridge.
Crucially, other than a pinched tube, you’re unlikely to blow a tyre clean off the rim. Noise is the only consideration. No worse than other compressor types but has induced frenetic howling from the neighbour’s dogs. Something for flat dwellers to bear in mind.
Care/Durability 3.75/5
It's very well made and sealed from the elements. Even without the waterproof sack, tucked inside bar bags, or my Trusty SQR Tour, I’ve had no issues in driving rain, or belting along waterlogged roads and mucky trails. Bog snorkelling aside, the odd precautionary squirt of Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray or similar should keep the elements out. I initially feared losing some components when reversing the (Presta Schrader) head.
To date this hasn’t proved a real-world issue. CycPlus tell us the lithium-ion battery will go 200 charge cycles before a 10% loss in capacity, which bodes well. Besides, provided you ensure I-ion batteries don’t fall below 70% charge wherever possible, you will get the absolute best from them.
Value 3.25/5
For those starting out, I’d suggest money was better invested in a traditional track pump and bike mounted mini, or frame fit model.
That out of the way... Fumpa Pump is arguably the closest comparator. Their mini version is a little dearer at £109 and claims a maximum 120psi, a flaccid 700x23c to 100 within 50 seconds. However, it doesn’t feature an integral pressure gauge, and the lower capacity battery will only charge 2-3 tyres from a full charge. The full-sized version Fumpa Pump will inflate up to 6 tyres from a single, 1 hour charge and will raise a 700x25c from pancake flat to 100psi in 25 seconds. However, it’s also dearer than the CyCplus and at 377g a fair bit heavier.
Summary
I’ve been impressed by the performance and portability of the CYCPlus and it joins me on most rides. I won’t be tossing out my track pumps and I’d still be inclined to carry a mini pump for emergencies. However, the speed, controllable inflation and gentle heat could mean it’s a godsend when recovering from a flat on a bitter December night.
Verdict: 3.75/5 Solidly made, user-friendly inflator that will tackle higher pressures.
Michael Stenning
Tiny E-Pump For Bike AS2 Pro Max – CYCPLUS
PUBLISHED AUGUST 2024
