Squire Retractable Mini Combination Cable Lock £9.99

Many of us like to cycle at times carrying only a minimal amount of essentials while still having enough spares for emergencies.

This has become possible in part as, over the years, many items have reduced significantly in size. The compact multifunction mini tool replaces the tool kit, glueless patches for many [not me – ed.] replace the puncture kit, so we can venture out on our Sunday blast around the lanes with basic roadside essentials in case of emergencies.

On these occasions one item that often gets left behind is a heavy, bulky lock. Many will not plan to stop, or if they do it is at their favourite café in the middle of nowhere, perhaps sitting with the bike in a pub garden. Besides, if we stop at a sweetshop to top up our energy treats, the bike will only be vulnerable for such a short time a lock is surely not necessary? I dare say we have all done the latter and stood in the longer-than-expected queue at the checkout hoping that the treat was not going to also cost us the price of our pride and joy as well!

This being the case, I like to carry something that will act as a slight deterrent or perhaps slow a would-be thief just enough. The Squire combination lock tested here has a very thin 600mm-long cable that coils back into the housing, which in itself is so small it will fit into the palm of my hand, jersey pocket or seat pack. You can set the lock to a combination of your choice, then press the button to both release and recoil the cable.

Be under no illusions; this is no heavy duty lock and shouldn’t be used as such. However, to have something to use when I would not have normally taken anything, it is ideal.