Cycplus E-Pumps

Cycplus E-Pumps could make your next puncture that bit easier to deal with.

The Cycplus E-Pumps range of self-contained, battery-powered air pumps could spell the end of arm pump! Cycplus’ AS2 range of pumps consists of the AS2, AS2 Pro and AS2 Pro Max. Each of them is similar in looks and how they work, but varies in how much air they can push and for how long.

These E-pumps work by squeezing a brushless motor into a small aluminium shell. You charge them up using a Type-C cable, with charge times varying from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the model. Once charged, Cyclplus say you can pump your tires up to a maximum of 100-120psi, depending on tyre size and pump. As to how long it will take, again that depends on tyre and pump, but faster than by hand!

Cycplus AS2

If we take a closer look at the models, the AS2 is the lightweight roadie’s pump. Weighing in at 97g and taking up as much space as a CO2 pump and cannister, it looks easy to pocket. Cycplus say it’s only intended for road-side emergencies and as such, doesn’t have a pressure-gauge. What is does have is the ability to go from nought to 80psi in 80 seconds; twice. This sounds perfect for all but the most unlucky riders.

Cycplus AS2 Pro

Next up in the range is the AS2 Pro. Cyclpus say they have upgraded the AS2 Pro’s motor, added a pressure gauge and expanded the battery capacity. This increases it’s weight to 120g and gives it a maximum pressure of 120psi. With these improvements, Cyclpus say you can use the AS2 Pro for emergencies and daily use.

Cycplus AS2 Pro Max

At the top, in power terms is the AS2 Pro Max. While still relatively small, Cyclpus say the AS2 Pro Max can handle car and motorbike tyres as well as bicycles. That sounds pretty impressive for a pump you can keep in your pocket.

I’ll be trying out the AS2 Pro and AS2 Pro Max while out on my rides. Hopefully I won’t need them while riding, but they’ll certainly prove useful in the garage. It will be interesting to see if they enough ‘oomph’ to seat a tubeless tyre, as well as general pumping duties.

Do you need an E-pump?

Some may question the need for an E-pump, isn’t the humble hand pump enough? Well yes and no! I’ve been a long-time commuter and have to say not having to spend ages pumping tyres after work, in the rain, next to a busy road is a god-send. Especially after I ruined my last frame-pump and went to mini-pumps. While those are great for slipping into a pocket, they don’t push much air.

Of course CO2 is an option, but I tend to keep them for race days. And there’s always the odd canister that just dumps all it’s air in one go, but not into the tyre. The E-pump could be an acceptable solution, it’s lightweight and faster than pumping by hand. While you do need to charge it and check that it’s charged before heading out; along with GPS, shifters, etc it could prove handy.

Then again a hand-pump is the simplest option. It’s just that it can be such a pain, unless you have a full-size frame-pump. Mini-pumps can give you more of a workout than the ride. You often ride off with soft tyres because you lose the will to pump before reaching the right pressure. So I’ll try out the Cycplus E-Pumps with an open mind and let you know how I get on.

In the meantime head over to Cycplus’s website and check out their range of E-Pumps. They also produce a range of GPS bike computers, smart trainers and other accessories.