Most people think a tyre inflator is just another bit of clutter. Truth is, the right battery powered inflator can save your ride, your camping trip, or your backside in the wet at the side of a B-road.
I used to scoff at these faffy gadgets until my mini track pump died mid-winter, halfway up near Glen Nevis, with a valve in my icy fingers and a flat tyre screaming for air. There’s no heroing it with cold hands and a tiny pump. That day, I wished I’d had a battery tyre inflator.
That’s why I would like you to pay attention to Cycplus pump series, too. Compact, rechargeable, and designed to actually work when it matters, these inflators are turning heads for all the right reasons. In this guide, we’ll dive into what they can really handle and why they’re fast becoming an essential part of every UK cyclist and driver’s kit.
Quick Look: Cycplus Models and What Sets Them Apart
Cycplus isn’t just another knock-off brand from the endless world of internet gadgets. Their battery powered tyre inflator range covers the AS2 Pro, AS2 Pro Max, Cube, and A8. Each is small, battery-driven, and designed for on-the-go use, whether you’re a diehard cyclist, a parent with a buggy, or a camper who likes an easy start in the morning.
What makes Cycplus different from budget models? For starters, they’re compact but tough, don’t chew through batteries, and work with most British valves (Presta, Schrader, even sports balls). The digital displays and clear controls mean you’re not fiddling with guesswork. If you’ve ever tried to top off a tyre with cold hands in a rainy car park, you’ll know why that matters.
Design and Portability
You don’t want to lug dead weight. The Cycplus pumps, especially the AS2 Pro Max and Cube, are brilliantly light. The Cube is honestly about the size of a chunky credit card. Each fits in a saddlebag or jersey pocket without drama.
I’ve cycled with tools that swung about like a dog’s tail. Not so here. Even stuffed in a frame bag with a CO2 canister, multitool, and some jelly babies, there’s room spare. At the campsite, stashing one in your day pack is a no-brainer – no one needs to haul a track pump up Pen y Fan.
If you’re off on a multiday tour and debating every gram, this is the sort of gadget that won’t annoy you by day three, especially if you get a pinch flat on a rough bridleway.
Battery Life and Charging
One rainy evening near the Lakes, I watched someone crank away with a mini hand pump for ten solid minutes – blood pressure rising with every lost PSI. Wouldn’t happen with a Cycplus. These pumps run on built-in rechargeable cells. The AS2 Pro Max uses a decent 11.1V 600mAh battery, plenty for several full bike tyres. The A8 bumps that up to 2600mAh and, crucially, offers USB-C charging, which is now the norm for phones and headlamps.
A full charge usually takes about 1-2 hours. USB-C or micro-USB options mean you can top up from a power bank, solar charger, or campervan plug with zero hassle. If you’ve ever been caught out wild camping and forgotten your mains adapter, you’ll appreciate that flexibility. And yes, the battery’s improved on new models. The old trick of carrying spare AAA batteries? Outdated, thankfully.
Pressure and Performance
Let’s be clear – no battery inflator is going to compete with a garage compressor. But for on-the-go fixes, Cycplus is reliable. The AS2 Pro Max handles up to 120 PSI, and the beefier A8 can do 150 PSI, covering most cycling needs. Presta, Schrader, and sports ball adaptors come in the box, so you’re not faffing with extra bits in the mud.
Inflation speed is better than you’d expect. Most reviewers, and my own experience, clock the A8 at about 67 seconds for a standard hybrid tyre. Road bike? Under two minutes to get you up to pressure—no red face, no blisters.
For bigger jobs, like van and camper tyres, it’ll do, but don’t expect speed. You can top up but seating a brand new tubeless tyre in the wild? That’s a job for a floor pump.
Real Life Use: When the Weather Turns and Tyres Go Flat
So, does it hold up in the slop and cold? I’ve used the AS2 Pro in both the pissing rain on Dartmoor and a wind-blasted car park near Aviemore. The digital display is bright enough, the buttons work even with winter gloves, and it’ll puff away happily while you fumble with snacks or a cuppa.
Inflation speed is solid – definitely beats CO2 faff when you’re flat, and it won’t run out unless you’ve done six club rides on one charge. Overheating can be an issue if you try to do too many tyres back-to-back, especially fat MTB ones, but just give it a breather. It rarely takes more than two or three inflations to drain the battery, anyway.
Reliability? I’ve had cheaper inflators fizzle out in damp conditions, but Cycplus’s newer versions seem better sealed and less temperamental, even after bouncing about in a pannier.
Where Cycplus Shines: Real UK Examples?
For cyclists who like to roll light, you’ll love how the Cube tucks away in a bar bag – or in a jersey with some fig rolls. It’s brilliant for any daily commuter, especially on wet mornings when you spot a soft tyre before the slog to work.
At campsites or on road trips, it’s one less job when you want to pump up inflatable kit – footballs, tent airbeams, or paddleboards in a pinch. Though, honestly, if you’re kitting out a family tent, a manual floor pump is still faster.
If you’re tackling wild trails or loaded touring, the Cycplus is peace of mind. Got a minor flat in a boggy section of the Pennines? No drama – just connect, set the digital gauge, and get that tyre back up to pressure while you boil water for a brew.
Where doesn’t it work? If you regularly set up tubeless tyres or are prepping a van or caravan from completely flat, you’ll want a bigger, more robust pump. For top-ups and emergencies, though, Cycplus wins.
Verdict: Should You Buy a Cycplus Battery Tyre Inflator?
Is it the “best” battery powered tyre inflator out there? For light packers, regular riders, and campers who want a zero-fuss solution, the answer is yes. If you want something for quick roadside repairs or topping up tyres before a wet commute, Cycplus delivers.
Don’t bin your trusty floor pump – if you’re doing serious mechanical jobs, you’ll need it. But for everyday fixes, mad dashes to school after a flat, or keeping your group ride moving, Cycplus has saved me more than once.
In short, if you want reliable inflation on the move – rain or shine – Cycplus is well worth slotting into your gear. Your arms (and cold hands) will thank you. For more UK camping gear tips, check out our review of other essential camping accessories or see the full range on Amazon.
