AS2 Pro Max
If, like me, you have been using manual pumps you'll be amazed at what these Cycplus electric pumps can do. The first time I used them the thought that came into my mind was 'game changing.' I considered getting rid of my manual pump. Read on to find out if I did!
Use my affiliate link to get a 5% discount from Cycplus. Electric power
Left to right: AS2, AS2 Pro, AS2 Pro Max
The main difference between these pumps and a manual pump is electric power. The benefit of this is that it gets air into the tire quicker and with a lot less effort than using a manual pump.
The disadvantage is that, unlike a manual pump, the Cycplus pumps will run out and need to be charged. However, the charging time is really not that long:
If you get into the habit of charging them after use they'll always be ready for when you need them. On one charge the AS2 can inflate 700C25 tires to 80PSI 2 times. The AS2 Pro can do the same 4 to 5 times. The Pro Max around 7 times. Yes, a manual pump can inflate tires forever, but think about how often you need to inflate tires on a typical bike trip. Probably not that often. If you do need it more often, perhaps on a multi-day trip, there's a good chance you'll be able to charge the pumps. Think hotels, cafes and taking a power bank. Who wins? Use of electric power Cycplus: 1 Manual pump: 0 Speed and accuracy of tire inflation
The digital display on the AS2 Pro and Pro Max where you can set the tire pressure. You can also monitor how much battery remains with the 3 blips on the bottom left of the display
The Cycplus pumps are very quick. Cycplus state the AS2 can get you up to 80PSI in 80 seconds. The Pro can do it in 50 seconds. The Pro Max has more power so can do it even faster. I did my tires to 65PSI and although I did not time it the job was done in seconds. I could not have done it in that time with a manual pump.
The other great thing is that the AS2 Pro and Pro Max have a digital display with the tire pressure. It means you can set the tire pressure you want and they'll fill the tire to that pressure. They'll automatically switch off when they meet the pressure. I thought this was fantastic because it's always guess work when using a manual pump with no gauge. I have to stop pumping to frequently feel the tires and make a judgement if the pressure is correct or not. The AS2 does not have the digital display, but it still pumps tires faster than a manual pump. It also wins on size, being the smallest of the AS2 models. Who wins? Speed and accuracy of inflation Cycplus: 1 Manual pump: 0 
The AS2 is much smaller than an average manual pump
Smaller than a manual pump
The main difference between the Cycplus pumps and a manual pump is their small size. It means they take up a lot less space to store and are easier to carry around than a manual pump. The two smaller models can easily fit into pockets. The larger model, the Pro Max, is a bit bulkier but not by much.
Who wins? Size Cycplus: 1 Manual pump: 0 Noise and heat
These pumps are very noisy. I was surprised the first time I used them, but soon got used to it. I was concerned about disturbing neighbours, but then I reckoned it was no worse than all the other noisy machines you can hear in gardens like lawnmowers and drills.
The pumps can also get very warm during use. That's the reason there is a silicone cover on them, to protect your hands. You don't get any of these issues with a manual pump. but it's a small price to pay for all the other benefits you get from the Cycplus pumps. Who wins? Noise and heat Cycplus: 0 Manual pump: 1 Easy to use
The Cycplus pumps have instruction manuals, so there's some learning to do. You don't need to learn as much to be able to use a manual pump. However, once you've absorbed the Cycplus instructions and used the pumps a couple of times you are unlikely to need to refer to the manual again.
I've read other reviews that comment on converting the Cycplus pumps between Presta and Schrader valves being fiddly. To be fair, I also have to do that conversion with my manual pump. When I used the AS2 Pro and Pro Max I just put on the hose attachment, which meant I did not need to do the conversion to use it with a Schrader valve. If you are doing the conversion you'll probably only need to do it once unless you have tires with different valves. Being able to set the tire pressure on the AS2 Pro and AS2 Pro Max makes them a lot easier to use than a manual pump without a pressure gauge. You can accurately inflate the tire to your desired pressure. You are not relying on feeling the tires with your fingers to guess if the pressure is correct. Who wins? Ease of use Cycplus: 1 Manual pump: 1 Draw! Cost
The Cycplus pumps are expensive. The AS2 is around £60, the AS2 Pro around £84 and the Pro Max around £100 (July 2024 prices). A cheap manual bicycle pump will cost less than £5.
However, the Cycplus pumps are on a different level. I was super impressed by the AS2 Pro ad Pro Max. Being able to set the tire pressure to what you want and using the hose attachment meant you could just walk away and do something else. You do not even need to be there to hold it or turn it off, it will just turn off automatically when the tire pressure is reached. Yes, a manual pump is cheaper but with Cycplus you are getting an amazing tool that makes tire inflation fast, accurate and less of a chore. Who wins? Cost Cycplus: 0 Manual pump: 1 Conclusion
The Cycplus pumps are the clear winner when compared to a manual pump. Manual pumps win on price, but the e-pumps do the job of tire inflation so much better. If you can afford it then go for the AS2 Pro or Pro Max as they allow you to set the tire pressure you want to inflate to. It's up to you if you think you need the extra battery capacity and power of the Pro Max.
Did I get rid of my manual pump? Not quite. It's at the back of the shed as a backup, but I have a feeling I will never use it again, and it will soon be lost under many cobwebs. The Cycplus pump is how I inflate my tires now. Use my affiliate link to get a 5% discount from Cycplus.
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