Cycplus AS2 Ultra: A Compact Electric Inflator for Everyday Cyclists

Bicycle tire technology has evolved considerably over the last two decades, yet the tools used for inflation remained largely unchanged until the recent emergence of compact electric inflators. Traditionally, cyclists depended on floor pumps, mini pumps, frame pumps, or CO2 cartridges. However, the arrival of portable electric inflators has changed the landscape of tire inflation.

The idea of electric inflators isn't new. They gained traction in competitive cycling settings where rapid inflation to precise pressures was necessary. Early models were bulky and resembled cordless drills, serving their purpose effectively in pit stops but lacking portability for casual riders.

The Rise of Compact Electric Inflators

Today’s electric inflators are vastly different. They are lightweight, rechargeable, and equipped with digital pressure gauges, making them superior to their predecessors. After extensive testing of nearly a dozen models across ten brands, the Cycplus AS2 Ultra emerged as the top choice for everyday cyclists.

Specifications and Performance

Weighing just 107 grams and measuring 2.5 by 1.75 by 1 inches, the AS2 Ultra is incredibly portable. In laboratory tests, it inflated a 28mm road tire from flat to 65 psi in only 42 seconds. Meanwhile, it took 47 seconds to fill a 45mm gravel tire to 30 psi and 45 seconds for a 2.3-inch mountain bike tire to reach 20 psi. While these times may not surpass CO2 cartridges, they are competitive with a high-quality floor pump.

During performance assessments against other electric models, the AS2 Ultra ranked favorably in terms of inflation speed and accuracy. Its digital gauge was found to be the most accurate, registering no more than 1 psi deviation from the verified pressure. The device’s battery life was also commendable; it completed four full tire inflations before needing a charge. However, it did generate a noticeable amount of heat, reaching around 91 degrees Fahrenheit during use, which is higher than many competitors.

While in operation, the inflator's heat was typically manageable, although caution should be exercised with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) tubes and non-metal valve stems, as heat transfer could potentially cause deformation. The added extension hose helps minimize these risks, although it slightly diminishes the inflator’s compactness.

Usability in Real-World Conditions

Despite initial skepticism about electric inflators, my views changed significantly after integrating the AS2 Ultra into my biking routine. In particular, while experimenting with different bike setups off-road, the combination of an electric inflator and a digital gauge proved invaluable for finding the ideal tire pressure. It quickly became clear that carrying a compact inflator eliminated the need for redundant tools like mini pumps and separate gauges, thereby streamlining the biking experience.

One question remained: the convenience of the inflator's size. The AS2 Ultra is notably smaller than many other models, often close in size to an Apple AirPods Pro case, allowing it to easily slip into a jersey pocket. This makes roadside repairs much more straightforward, too. While the device does produce noise at approximately 70 decibels during operation—drawing attention from fellow riders—its efficiency in avoiding manual pumping was well-received.

Battery Life and Maintenance

Another concern with electric inflators is their battery life. The AS2 Ultra demonstrated its capability to manage several weeks' worth of pre-ride inflation and routine pressure adjustments without significant battery drain. My habit became simple: I recharged the device after inflating a flat tire, a practice comparable to keeping CO2 cartridges stocked in a repair kit.

Given its performance and reliability, I've transitioned to viewing the AS2 Ultra as a replacement for CO2 cartridges. In casual rides where I previously relied on just cartridges, this inflator now feels like a more practical option. However, for remote adventures where reliability is critical, it’s still wise to carry a traditional manual pump in addition to the electric one.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Cycplus AS2 Ultra may not be the fastest electric inflator available, it offers an impressive blend of portability, gauge accuracy, and battery endurance. Its compact size ensures it can fit easily in a jersey pocket, encouraging more frequent checks and adjustments of tire pressure, thus enhancing overall cycling experience. With the AS2 Ultra, tire inflation evolves from a cumbersome task into a quick and effortless part of pre-ride preparations.

After a year of consistent use, it has officially replaced CO2 cartridges in my repair kit. For everyday cycling trips, the AS2 Ultra proves to be a welcome addition that deserves a spot in any cyclist’s gear setup—while remembering that for off-the-beaten-path excursions, having a manual pump as a backup can be prudent.