THE LAB – CYCPLUS CUBE – Tiny e-pump, big impact?

The CYCPLUS CUBE electric pump is designed to provide air for your tires on the go, eliminating the need for manual pumping or relying on disposable cartridges that end up in the trash. The compact compressor with an integrated battery is said to be capable of inflating tires up to nearly 7 bar (100 psi). In our test, we checked whether and when the tiny compressor runs out of breath.

Size, weight, and ease of use play crucial roles when it comes to choosing accessories to carry with you on every ride. Of course, this includes all the necessary tools for inflating your tires while you are on the go. In most cases, CO2 cartridges or mini pumps are used for this purpose, but although cartridges are small, fast, and convenient, they generate a significant amount of waste as they are not rechargeable. On the other hand, mini pumps are often uncomfortable, relatively bulky, and pumping can be tedious. The CYCPLUS CUBE is a tiny compressor designed to quickly and easily inflate your tires. The device aims to combine the best features of a mini pump and CO2 cartridges, but does this small inflator deliver on its promises?

Compact e-pump with small dimensions and low weight? The facts about the CYCPLUS CUBE tiny compressor

The body of the CYCPLUS CUBE mini compressor is made of aluminium, giving the small cube a high-quality appearance. It is compatible with Schrader and Presta valve types. Switching between the two is simple: unscrew the pump head, flip the rubber seal, and insert the appropriate metal fitting. With dimensions of 65 × 47 × 28 mm, the device is remarkably compact, similar in size to a GoPro action camera. Weighing in at 95 g, it is only slightly heavier than the lightest options in mini pumps and CO2 cartridge sets. A single battery charge should be sufficient for 1–4 tire inflations, depending on the tire volume, and the battery can be recharged via USB-C in just over 20 minutes. Although there is no information on water resistance, the open construction suggests that it is not suitable for exposure to water. However, the included silicone case provides protection against scratches and minor falls. The button on the top of the device serves multiple functions, including switching on, activating, and switching off, as well as indicating the battery status. Achieving the desired pressure relies on tactile sensitivity and intuition, as there is no display or adjustment function. For a 25 mm wide tire, the CYCPLUS CUBE should take around 110 seconds to inflate. The higher the pressure, the longer the pumping process will be, of course.

Pump it up! The CYCPLUS CUBE e-pump tested

The small CYCPLUS CUBE mini compressor is neatly finished and appears to be of high quality. In fact, the tiny e-pump is so compact that it can fit into any pocket, no matter how small. Despite having only one button, using it is not entirely self-explanatory. To activate the device, you need to press the button once, followed by two quick presses until you hear a motor sound, like a mini lawn mower. Since the CYCPLUS CUBE remains on for only 5 seconds, we recommend placing it on the valve first and then switching it on. Once you become accustomed to this procedure, operating it becomes quite straightforward. When the motor starts pumping, it is necessary to keep your thumb on the tire to feel the ideal pressure. Initially, the tire fills quickly, but as the pressure increases, it takes longer. Based on our measurements, it takes approximately 110 seconds for 25 mm tires, 100 seconds for 32 mm tires, 85 seconds for 40 mm tires, and 60 seconds for 650b with 45 mm tires until they are sufficiently inflated for riding. We were able to reach a maximum of 5.6 bar in the 25 mm wide tires, but it took almost two minutes. The metal housing became quite hot afterwards, and the battery was nearly depleted. It had enough capacity to inflate the 25 mm wide tires to 4 bar twice before it needed to be recharged. The 650b tires were filled up, or at least inflated enough to ride with them, four times.

The CYCPLUS CUBE assists in inflating tires on the go, but it is not superior per se to an air pump or CO2 inflator. But, it is compact, lightweight, and easy to operate, making it a recommended option for tire pressures up to approximately 5.5 bar. The tiny e-pump CUBE only becomes problematic when a hole in the tire cannot be completely sealed, requiring frequent re-inflation to get back home.

Fore more info visit cycplus.com

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Words: Martin Staffa Photos: Martin Staffa