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The New Panaracer GravelKing X1 Retakes the Gravel Tire Throne

New panaracer GravelKing X1 side profile heroNew X1
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After sitting on the gravel throne for 10 years, offering versatility that spans gravel, mountains, commuting, and global adventures, it’s time to pass the torch. Panaracer has released their new and most advanced GravelKing to date, the new Gravelking X1 and the newly developed “R Compound”.

New panaracer GravelKing SK plus side profile
(Photo/Panaracer)

The new GravelKing brings with it new branding with a new logo, to help differentiate the new line and the OG line. But the SK, SS, GravelKing, and EXT have also undergone a top-down remodel.

Let’s take a look-see.

The New GravelKing

The GravelKing lineup expands, offering more versatility and performance. The new line also boasts new sizing that might be a bit easier to navigate. Panaracer retires the 700×32, 38, and 43mm sizing. Sizing now starts at the 30mm size and increases in 5mm increments up to 50mm (only in the SK model), with 650b, 26″, and 29″ still available.

All of the models will continue to be available in both standard and plus versions, with the addition of the “R” (Race) version of the Gravelking, Gravelking SK, Gravelking SS, and the Gravelking X1.

Adding to GravelKing’s Legacy

Panaracer is introducing technological advancements as well. Ensuring superior durability and traction, Panaracer offers the uniquely formulated “ZSG Gravel Compound”, and groundbreaking TuffTex. Meanwhile, the innovative “BeadLock” design enhances tire stability for ultimate confidence on all terrains.

Panaracer’s own “Global Go To Guy”, Jeff Zell said, “Over the last 2 years, we’ve been developing new tech and specification for the entire GK line. Although we’ve constantly updated details in production over the last 10 years, the speed in which wheels and especially gravel-related wheels and rims have evolved necessitated a reworking of the line from the ground up.”

Continuing, Zell says, “10 years ago, the original GK spec was designed around a 17mm inner width rim. And while we modified the spec in the years since, 2024 brings better hookless rim compatibility, ease of mounting, and design specs that are more in line with where gravel is going into the future. New compounds, beads, and puncture protection are also being launched with the new lineup.”

Thanks Jeff!

New 2024 Gravelking Retail

  • GravelKing X1, SK, SS, and Slick: $64.99
  • GravelKing X1 Plus, SK Plus, SS Plus, and Slick Plus: $79.99
  • GravelKing X1 R, SK R, SS R, and Slick R: $79,99
  • GravelKing EXT: $64.99
  • GravelKing EXT Plus: $79.99

Better Packaging

New panaracer GravelKing new packaging
New packaging

Riding shotgun with the design overhaul, Panaracer has improved the tire packaging. No more plastic placard-type packaging, Panaracer has transitioned to environmentally friendly recycled materials and embraced eco-conscious practices. The new packaging takes on a rounded cubic shape, that showcases and protects the tire.

The all-new Gravelking line is available now. Check it out at the link below.

PanaracerUSA.com

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Emo
Emo
6 months ago

Panaracer is claiming the X1 is faster than the SS. Optically, I have to ask how is that possible? Too good to be true, or am I missing something?

Greg
Greg
6 months ago
Reply to  Emo

Proper lug design means it can be faster than a slick.

Evan
Evan
6 months ago
Reply to  Greg

Uh what? Then why don’t racers run proper lugs on road bikes?

I assume this must be down to the rubber compound, or the marketing team forgot to say “fastest GK *with knobs*”

Michael Watkins
Michael Watkins
6 months ago
Reply to  Evan

Some tire lugs are designed to also break up the wind, like dimples on a golf ball, with the shark fin looking tread pattern on the edges of the Conti GP5000 bring a prime example. Look it up, I didn’t know this until about 6 weeks ago myself

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
6 months ago

Lugs don’t do that. The pattern on fast road tires aren’t lugs. These are lugs though

Balderdash
Balderdash
6 months ago
Reply to  Evan

Have you ever felt a GK SS? The center section is quite thick, I bet the tread thickness is what gives it more rolling resistance than the X1.

Reyes Edgardo
Reyes Edgardo
6 months ago
Reply to  Evan

Because they don’t need lugs. Better to have the tread than lugs.

Reyes Edgardo
Reyes Edgardo
6 months ago
Reply to  Emo

Most of the rolling resistance comes from the casing and compound…so maybe.

Andrew
Andrew
6 months ago

Bravo – especially for plastic-free packaging!

HupHup
HupHup
6 months ago

Which tyre is which? Looks like 3 or 4 treads under the same name.
I always liked the full slick 650 x 42 Pari-Moto road tyre which also came under Gravel King name. Fast as F. Confusing range though.

Astro_Kraken
Astro_Kraken
6 months ago
Reply to  HupHup

If I remember correctly the pari-moto didn’t have any puncture resistance, but did have the same tread pattern as GK slicks

But agreed, shopping for Panaracers is turning into shopping for Schwalbes.

Jeff
6 months ago
Reply to  HupHup

White label on the tire = standard version. Navy label = + version (more puncture protection), and the black label on the tire denotes the new R series structure. We’ve tried to explain this on our web site. Hopefully it makes a little more sense now?

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
6 months ago
Reply to  Jeff

I love my GK Slicks but they’re very thin and don’t plug that well with sealant. I’d happily give up a bit of that ride quality for a bit more mileage and depth for sealant to plug a tire. Have the Slicks changed in thickness? Are the Navy labeled tires just the same rubber thickness with an extra belt for protection? Thanks!

Jeff
6 months ago
Reply to  Veganpotter

The new ZSG Gravel compound will be more resilient to cuts and the new puncture material (TuffTex) is stronger than the previous material, too. And yes, the Navy (+) have extra puncture material than the white (standard) versions.

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
6 months ago
Reply to  Jeff

Will they last for more miles though? I’m not even getting 1500miles on a rear tire before seeing casing.

Alan
Alan
6 months ago

Oh no, another new tire size, “560B”!

Rim Brake enjoyer
Rim Brake enjoyer
6 months ago

Buddy of mine won a masters crit on gravel kings once. Beat a whole bunch of guys on WT level bikes with magical chain lubricant and watt saving tires. Goes to show you, no replacement for a big stinking huge FTP and skills.

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
6 months ago

The GK Slicks and SS really are road tires. I haven’t raced for a long time but I have Cat 1 state TT titles in 2 states and I’m coming back to try to win in a third state. They’re fast tires and if they fit on my TT bike, I’d gladly race in them. Its not like he was using mountain bike tires. I’m surprised these are even part of the Gravel King line.

Jim E
Jim E
6 months ago

From their site, it does not look like any of the 2024 models are available in 26″. Only the older SK still seems available in 26 x 2.1.

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