Ultimate Mini Bike Pump Showdown: Airbank Pocket 2 Pro vs Cycplus AS2 Pro

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Airbank Pocket 2 Pro Mini Bike Pump Review

Summary
The Airbank Pocket 2 Pro delivers the same core performance and feature set as the Cycplus AS2 Pro while undercutting it significantly on price, making it one of the strongest value options in the electric mini bike pump category. It is compact enough to carry on every ride, accurate enough for consistent pressure management, and powerful enough for realistic roadside use on both road and mountain bikes. While it does not replace CO2 or a manual pump in every scenario, it strikes an excellent balance between convenience, reliability, and cost, particularly for regular cyclists who want a dependable, reusable backup solution.

Pros
– Excellent price-to-performance ratio compared with direct competitors.
– Accurate digital pressure display with reliable auto-stop functionality.
– Compact, well-built design that is genuinely practical to carry on rides.

Cons
– Loud operation may be intrusive in quiet environments.
– Generates noticeable heat during consecutive inflations.
– Limited battery capacity compared with manual pumps for multiple flats.

I reviewed three models of the Cycplus AS2 back in December 2024. They were my first introduction to electric mini bike pumps, and I loved the convenience of them.

I have ADHD, and I am terribly disorganised at times and frequently forget to pack new CO2 cartridges after using them, so having a backup pump is ideal. Additionally, I prefer not to use CO2 for short casual bike rides as it does not feel very cost-effective, so I now leave one of these electric bike pumps in my backpack.

Recently, Airbank sent me their new Pocket 2 Pro to review. This is their flagship bike pump, and it has more or less the same spec as the Cycplus AS2 Pro, but at a lower price point. Having spent several weeks testing this pump across different scenarios – from road cycling to mountain biking – I can offer a detailed assessment of how it performs in real-world conditions.

The electric mini bike pump market has grown considerably over the past couple of years, with several manufacturers now competing for attention. The appeal is obvious: a compact, rechargeable device that can get you back on the road without the physical effort of a manual pump or the single-use nature of CO2 cartridges. The question is whether the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro justifies its price tag and how it stacks up against the established competition from Cycplus.

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Airbank Pocket 2 Pro vs Cycplus AS2 vs AS2 Pro vs AS2 Pro Max
Before diving into the practical testing, it is worth examining the specifications of the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro alongside the Cycplus range. The numbers tell an interesting story about where each pump sits in the market and what trade-offs you might expect.

Looking at the specifications, the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro sits firmly between the Cycplus AS2 Pro and AS2 Pro Max in terms of capability, whilst matching the AS2 Pro on most key metrics. The 130g weight is marginally heavier than the AS2 Pro’s 120g, though both are light enough to be unnoticeable in a jersey pocket or saddle bag.

The 120 PSI maximum pressure matches both AS2 Pro variants, which is sufficient for road cycling where typical pressures range from 80-100 PSI depending on tyre width and rider preference. Mountain bike users running lower pressures of 25-40 PSI will find all these pumps more than adequate. The real-time pressure display is a feature I consider essential – guessing pressure based on feel is not particularly accurate, and the peace of mind from seeing the exact PSI reading is well worth having.

The 420mAh battery capacity matches the AS2 Pro exactly, and the claimed endurance of four inflations to 80 PSI seems realistic based on my testing. The 30-minute charging time via USB-C is practical for modern use, though I would recommend keeping it topped up regularly rather than waiting until it is completely depleted.

What stands out here is the pricing. At £70 on Amazon UK, the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro undercuts the Cycplus AS2 Pro by £19 whilst offering essentially identical specifications. If you purchase directly from the Airbank website, the price drops to around £52 with free worldwide shipping, which represents excellent value.

Working Performance When Fully Charged
The manufacturer provides detailed performance claims for various tyre types and pressures, which I have found to be reasonably accurate in my testing. Understanding these figures is essential for setting realistic expectations for what the pump can achieve. For road cyclists with 700x25c tyres, achieving a 50-second inflation time to 80 PSI is genuinely impressive. The four inflation cycles to 80 PSI on a 700x25c tyre is a realistic figure, with the ability to achieve five inflations before the battery shows signs of depletion. However, it is not recommended to push the battery to its absolute limit regularly.

For mountain bikers with larger volume tyres like 29×2.2, the longer inflation times are expected due to the increased air volume required. The pump can handle the task adequately, but it works harder and generates more heat than with road tyres.

Overall, the electric pumps are better suited for topping up tyres or dealing with slow punctures rather than inflating from completely flat. For completely deflated tyres, especially large-volume mountain bike tyres, using CO2 cartridges may be faster, although they are single-use. The LCD screen on the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro illuminates and displays the current pressure reading, or zero if no tyre is connected. The display is clear and readable in daylight, making it ideal for outdoor use. Reading the screen in bright sunlight is easy, although direct sun at certain angles may cause some reflection.

Setting the target pressure is simple with the plus and minus buttons adjusting in 1 PSI increments. A long press on either button allows for faster scrolling through the pressure range. The pump conveniently remembers your last setting, which is useful for consistent inflation. I typically set mine to 85 PSI for my road bike and rarely need to adjust it.

When connected to a valve, pressing the power button starts inflation. The pump is loud, similar to a small electric drill, which may attract attention in public places. The auto-stop feature works reliably, stopping inflation when the set pressure is reached. The pump’s accuracy is within 1-2 PSI of the displayed reading, suitable for cycling purposes.

The battery indicator shows three bars when fully charged and depletes as you use the pump. Even with one bar remaining, there is enough power for at least one full inflation to 80 PSI. The unit can also display pressure in Bar instead of PSI, with a simple press to cycle through the units.

In practical testing, the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro performed well in various scenarios. For road cycling, the pump excels in accuracy and speed, making it easy to inflate tyres quickly. The pump can handle larger tyres for mountain biking, although longer inflation times and higher battery consumption may occur.

Heat management is worth noting, as the pump body can become warm after consecutive inflations. For tubeless tyre compatibility, the pump is suitable for topping up sealed tubeless tyres but not for seating tubeless beads. Charging via USB-C is quick and convenient, taking only 30 minutes to fully charge.

Compared to CO2 inflation, the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro is slower but reusable and more versatile. The pump is available for £70 on Amazon UK or approximately £52 from airbankpump.com, offering good value for its features. Alternative options like the Minibike Pump Pocket SE or the Cycplus AS2 Tiny Electric Bike Pump may also be suitable depending on individual preferences and needs. This is the entry-level option in the Cycplus range and does not have the real-time pressure display found in the higher-end models.

The Cycplus AS2 Pro is a close competitor to the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro, with similar dimensions, weight, and performance specifications. It is priced at £89 on Amazon UK, which is £19 more than the Airbank. The price difference may be difficult to justify unless you have a strong preference for the Cycplus brand or find a good deal.

For £106, the Cycplus AS2 Pro Max offers increased battery capacity, faster inflation times, and the ability to inflate four tires to 120 PSI. This model is suitable for serious cyclists who need maximum capacity, especially for long-distance rides where multiple punctures are a concern. However, the increased size and weight may be a consideration.

While budget alternatives are available from various manufacturers for £35-40, caution is advised when considering them. Cheaper pumps may use lower-quality components, less accurate pressure sensors, and have shorter lifespans. Battery management and heat dissipation in budget options may also be inferior, affecting performance and safety.

The Airbank Pocket 2 Pro offers good value compared to competitors, matching the performance of the Cycplus AS2 Pro at a lower price point.

In conclusion, an electric pump like the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro can be a convenient backup option for cyclists, but it does not completely replace CO2 or manual pumps in all scenarios. For indoor training setups, the Airbank is excellent for maintaining consistent tire pressures. The pump has limitations such as loud operation and limited battery capacity compared to manual pumps for multiple flats.

Overall, the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro is a strong value option in the electric mini bike pump category, offering good performance at a competitive price point. In the realm of technology, my passion knows no bounds. From computers and networking to mobile devices, wearables, and smart home gadgets – I have an extensive expertise in all things tech.

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