Need something between the slick GravelKing and the knobby-er GravelKing SK? Panaracer hears you. Their answer? The new GravelKing SS and SS+. Designed for dry and fast race day conditions, the tire still offers a bit of tread to help keep things rubber side down.
Using a smooth, almost herringbone like pattern for the center tread, the GravelKing SS looks like it would be super fast on pavement and smooth, dry gravel. When you need to lean into the turn, a diamond pattern is used on the transition area followed by slightly more aggressive rectangular shoulder knobs.
Offered in both 700c and 650b sizes, available options include 700 x 28, 32, 35, and 43c or 27.5 x 1.9 (650b x 48).
The tires will also come in SS or SS+ casings. Both tires use a 126 TPI casing with a nylon puncture resistant belt, but the SS+ gains a bead-to-bead layer of Panaracer’s ProTite protective material for even more protection. Both tires also use Panaracer’s ZSG (Zero Slip Grip) rubber compound.
Sold in black and brown sidewall options and in tubed or tubeless compatible casings, pricing for the SS is set at $49.99. If the SS+ follows the same pricing convention as other Panaracer tires, it will likely be $59.99. SS tires will be available in early June, while the SS+ will follow in July. Currently, the SS models are available for preorder on the Panaracer website.
