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cycplus as2 pro max tyre inflator

in the mid 1990s, when it transpired that digital photos could be taken by the great unwashed on cameras that required no film, kodak (and, i believe, a version licensed by apple) produced a lozenge with a pixel resolution that pre-empted use of the prefix, mega. this existed prior to the industry's standardisation on the jpeg (joint photographic experts group) format, therefore images required to be loaded into proprietary software in order to view one's handiwork.

however, the lozenge shape of the camera sported a certain logic, though unfortunately, bereft of any pragmatism for use. since single lens reflex film cameras to that point relied on pulling a length of photographic film behind the lens and shutter in order to capture the desired image, their physical format was determined by such a requirement. since digital cameras had no film whatsoever, storing the images internally on a solid-state hard disk, they were no longer subject to similar demands. or so it appeared.

practised photographers, using the tried-and-tested camera design format could easily snap a whole series of images with one hand, perhaps using the other to balance precariously at a cliff edge, or hang out the side of a boat. maybe they even fancied grabbing a few images while steering a bicycle with the hand not required to hold the camera and press the shutter simulatneously. attempting to emulate a similar feat of dexterity with kodak's lozenge, was all but impossible. attempts to do so generally resulted in severely blurred images.

it turns out that the traditional shape of a camera relied on factors other than the need to roll film past the lens; explaining why all modern disgital cameras look like cameras and not outsize lozenges.

the humble bicycle pump has scarcely changed since its invention in 1887. a cyclist from that particular era, though undoubtedly now long of tooth if still around today, would easily recognise a bicyle pump, were they presented with one for christmas. essentially, every variation on the humble pump assumes the same format: a length of round, hollow tubing, with a hand-operated plunger to pump air into an inner tube. even bicycle pumps which rely on a carbon dioxide cartridge retain a certain similarity. but what if contemporaneity were to offer electrical means of inflating a bicycle tyre? would that also need to resemble the ubiquitous mini-pump?

it seems not.

recently sent for review, i currently possess a cycplus as2 pro max electric bicycle tyre inflator which resembles nothing more nor less than either a big matchbox, or a small cigarette packet. measuring 54mm x 32mm x 81mm, it weighs a scant 205 grammes and fits easily into a jersey rear pocket. it will inflate an inner tube to a maximum of 120psi and sports an led screen to let you know how it's progressing and, simultaneously, how much battery life remains. according to the manufacturer, it will inflate a 700x25c road tyre from 0-120psi up to four times before the battery needs recharged. and it really works.

my cyclocross bicycle sports a pair of challenge grifo 700x33mm 'cross tyres which, according to the sidewall, are capable of being inflated to between 24psi and 40psi. because of the construction method employed by challenge, where the tread is laminated onto the casing, over-inflation will see the tread begin to separate itself from the latter. i know, because it turns out that the gauge on my track pump is wildly inaccurate, and i have been guilty of inadvertently over-inflating the tyres to a level where the very edge of the tread has started to peel. fortunately i noticed this well in advance of any serious damage occurring.

the cycplus as2 pro max has been my saviour. underneath the small, yet clear led screen are three buttons. the top is the power button, held down for several seconds to either switch the device on or off. below that are two similar buttons; the top one increases the set tyre pressure, while the lower one decreases it. thus, to allow a few degrees safety margin, i set the screen to 37psi before attempting to inflate both tyres on my 'cross bike. when the tyre pressure reaches the preset (reliable to plus or minus one psi), it simply cuts out. i have tried it at several different settings on my road bike, from 40 to 60 to 90psi, and every time it cuts out at precisely the preset level.

i cannot deny a few teething problems when first employed, but it transpires that all were the result of pilot error. the pump nozzle features an internal rubber gasket which can be switched from schrader to presta very easily. once fitted over the valve, the power button is lightly pressed once before releasing. on my first few attempts, i kept the button depressed, thus switching it off before it had any opportunity to do anything. ignorant of my error, i repeated my stupidity several times, before the dawning realisation. it does make a noticeable buzzing sound in operation, and it is advised to keep the device within its fitted silicon sleeve due to the fact that it can get quite warm in operation. the manual advises not touching the nozzle while in operation for that very reason.

the as2 pro max also arrives with a short hose to attach to the valve, should you prefer so to do, an accessory that is effectively compulsory if your valve stem(s) are made of resin. thankfully, if the hose is used on presta valves with removable cores, it simply slides on, as opposed to threading in place, as is the case with many mini pumps. how many of us have inflated a tyre in this manner, only to unscrew the hose, taking the valve core with it? and should your kids need their football inflated, there's an adaptor for that too, as well as a spare gasket in case the factory fitted original be lost or eventually wear out.

and, it seems, the manufacturer has though of pretty much everything, providing a small sealable plastic bag in which the cycplus as2 pro max might be encased to keep it away from rain while riding. from a standing start, it recharges completely within one hour using the supplied usb-c cable, and loses only 10% battery power even after 200 recharging cycles. though i have also carried my trusty mini-pump during the review period, such is my confidence in the pro max, that i've decided to leave that at home from now on, as there's really no need. my luddite tendencies would normally rally against such technology, but i'm not getting any younger, and to be honest, the weather's not getting any better. after the faff and effort of replacing a punctured inner-tube, i'm happy to let something else take the strain of reinflating my tyres to the appropriate pressure. i've not tried it on tubeless, because i refuse to fit them, but i see no reason why it wouldn't cope equally as well with those.

the cycplus as2 pro max is available in black only at a recommended retail price of £103.54 | cycplus as2 pro max

sunday 28 april 2024