Harry Kooros
There was a time when carrying a mini pump or CO2 canisters was just part of riding a road bike. These days, small electric pumps have become a genuinely useful alternative – and ASMAX’s T30 and T10 show just how compact and affordable the technology has become.
I’ve been using both pumps over the past few weeks, with the T30 the obvious choice for carrying on a ride and the larger T10 offering more versatility for bikes, cars and general use.
T30
The T30 is impressively small and light. At just 123g, it is easy to throw into a jersey pocket or saddle bag without really noticing it’s there. It is designed specifically around bikes, with a maximum pressure of 120psi and a small 1000mAh battery.
Using it is straightforward. Connect it to the valve, set your desired pressure and let the pump do the work. The digital display lets you monitor the pressure as it inflates, while the automatic shut-off means you don’t have to keep an eye on it throughout the process.
For road riding, that’s the main appeal. There’s no need to repeatedly pump a tyre by hand or carry CO2 cartridges and worry about getting the inflation right. It’s a particularly useful option for riders who want to minimise what they carry without sacrificing the ability to deal with a puncture.
Of course, it isn’t intended to replace a full-size workshop pump. Its purpose is to get you back on the road when something goes wrong, and its compact size makes it much easier to justify carrying one on every ride.
T10
The T10 takes a different approach. It’s considerably larger than the T30, but that extra bulk brings a much bigger 7500mAh battery and a maximum pressure of 160psi. It also doubles as a power bank, with a USB-A output for charging devices such as a phone, adding to its versatility beyond cycling.
I kept the T10 in the boot of my car, often using it after driving somewhere to start a ride. It became a convenient way to check and top up my tyres before heading off, without having to unpack a hand pump or find a service station.
Its ability to inflate car tyres makes it a more versatile option for general use, too. Rather than being a tool specifically for cyclists, it can serve as a handy piece of equipment to keep in the car for everyday use and longer trips. The power-bank function is a useful extra, particularly in an emergency when your phone needs charging and there’s no power outlet available.
The larger battery is another advantage, providing considerably more capacity than the T30. At around 500g, it’s less suited to carrying in a jersey pocket, but that matters less when it’s being kept in the car. For anyone wanting one device to cover bike tyres, car tyres and occasional device charging, the T10 offers a practical all-round package.
In use
Both pumps were straightforward to operate, and the automatic shut-off is one of the most useful features. Set the target pressure, start the pump and let it get on with the job. The digital display also makes the process more controlled than relying on a conventional hand pump without a pressure gauge.
The biggest difference comes down to where you’ll use them. The T30 makes sense as part of your regular riding kit, while the T10 is better suited to the car boot or home, where its larger size matters less and its extra battery capacity becomes more useful.
There are a few compromises to consider. The plastic housing keeps both pumps lightweight, but I’ve found it scratches quite easily, particularly when carrying the unit alongside other tools in a saddle bag. It’s a cosmetic issue rather than a problem with operation, but something worth keeping in mind if you want your equipment to stay looking new.
As with any rechargeable pump, you’ll also need to keep an eye on battery charge rather than assuming it’s ready to go whenever you need it. That’s a small trade-off for the convenience of electric inflation, but worth remembering before heading out on a longer ride.
Verdict
I’ve had a positive experience with both pumps, and each makes sense for a different purpose. The T30 is the one I’d choose for regular road riding. At 123g, it’s compact enough to carry on every ride, and the automatic shut-off and digital display take much of the guesswork out of dealing with a puncture.
The T10 is the better all-rounder if you want something that can handle bike and car tyres, with the added benefit of a much larger battery and power-bank functionality. I’d keep it in the car rather than carry it on the bike.
Both offer a convenient alternative to manual inflation, but the choice comes down to portability versus versatility. For cyclists looking for a compact emergency pump, the T30 is the more obvious fit. If you want one device for the car, bike and general use, the T10 makes a stronger case.
Check out their website here for more information.
Specs
ASMAX T30
Weight – 123g
Maximum pressure – 120psi
Battery – 1000mAh
Pressure display – Digital
Auto shut-off – Yes
LED light – Yes
Price – Approx. AUD$90
ASMAX T10
Maximum pressure – 160psi
Battery – 7500mAh
Pressure display – Digital
Auto shut-off – Yes
LED light – Yes
Power bank – Yes
Suitable for – Bike and car tyres
Price – Approx. AUD$92
