Master Lock Python Cable lock

Master Lock's Python cable lock boasts a neat ratchet mechanism that allows you to adjust the cable length from 30cm to 1.8m, and cuts out excess cable that could be easily snipped. Unfortunately what remains is easily snipped, making the Python hard to recommend.

The adjustable cable system actually works very well: you pull the excess cable through to tighten the lock, and that leaves less exposed cable for thieves to have a go on. However, when you're measuring the life expectancy of said cable in tenths of a second, it's pretty academic. Ours took just 12.6 seconds to snip through with the big croppers, which isn't a good score by any means.

That's not to say the Python doesn't have its uses. It'd be handy as a secondary lock to hold wheels and helmet, for example, where the ratchet system would be useful to keep everything tidy. It's also be a good option for locking your bikes to a bike rack, as you could tighten it down to stop them moving about. Just don't rely on it as your first line of defence in town: it's just not up to the job.

Verdict

Clever cable lock with its uses, but keeping an expensive bike safe isn't one of them