Panaracer unveils new tech and specs to celebrate GravelKing 10th anniversary

Panaracer’s GravelKing is ten years old this year and there’s a host of changes in honour of the anniversary with a new version, featuring updated tech, specs and even branding.

Although Panaracer has continually updated details in production over the last 10 years, the speed in which wheels and especially gravel-related wheels and rims has evolved necessitated a reworking of the line from the ground up, so said the brand, which has spent the last two years developing this updated version of the GK.

10 years ago, the original GK spec was designed around a 17mm inner width rim. And while Panaracer has 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 line-up.

DETAILS

The entire line-up, the SK, SS, GravelKing, and EXT have all undergone a top-down remodel of technology including an entirely new bead called BeadLock, an updated version of Panaracer’s proprietary anti-puncture material called TuffTex, and a new tread compound called ZSG Gravel.

BeadLock has been engineered to accommodate an extensive array of rim types, encompassing both hookless and clincher varieties. Tyre mounting reportedly becomes a seamless process, often achievable with just a standard floor pump, ensuring effortless adaptability and superior performance on any terrain. BeadLock is specifically engineered precisely for the evolving gravel market landscape.

TuffTex, meanwhile, has been crafted exclusively for GravelKing tyres. With its supple, high thread count casing, TuffTex ensures durability while boasting precisely engineered bead-to-bead puncture protection. Building upon this innovation, TuffTex + features a dual layer of bead-to-bead TuffTex material, enhancing puncture resistance and overall security. Meanwhile, TuffTex R showcases Panaracer’s most supple and lightweight casing yet, delivering comfort and agility. It guarantees an exceptionally smooth ride, offering the lowest rolling resistance available in a GravelKing tyre, we’re told.

The entirely new logo and packaging have been designed to differentiate the original line-up from the new line-up (only the name and model treads remain the same).

There’s all new sizing, with some older sizes ditched in favour of where people what their tyre sizing now. Pitched as easy to understand across the board, sizing starts at 30c and goes up in increments of 5 to 50c (50c GKSK only) The 700 x 32, 38 and 43c’s are being retired. 650b, 26″ and 29” will still be available.

There’s a new addition of the “R” (Race) version of the GK, GKSK, GKSS and X1 that uses different, race-specific materials that differ in construction from the standard and + versions.

There’s also the first new GravelKing model since the SS in 2017, the GravelKing X1. The X1 has been in development for over two years and was developed from feedback gathered around the world by Panaracer’s team of testers, athletes, and tech team. The X1 is the fastest GK ever and hits all the important points for gravel riding and racing today; aggressive, fast rolling tread, superior cleaning in wet/muddy conditions, and greater control in rougher terrain, Panaracer adds.

The all new ZSG GRAVEL compound is precisely formulated from Panaracer’s exclusive ZSG (Zero Slip Grip) material. Crafted specifically for gravel terrain, this compound guarantees exceptional resilience against temperature variations, delivering consistent rubber performance from freezing cold to sweltering heat. Engineered to excel on both gravel and tarmac surfaces, it boasts lower rolling resistance while maintaining optimal grip levels, ensuring uncompromised performance in diverse conditions, says Panaracer.

If your thirst for GK-based info remains unquenched after that info dump, then head to the Panaracer site or contact UK distributor ZyroFisher for more detail.

Availability begins 1 March for the USA and Japan, with the rest of the world following end of March and into April.

GK – £54.99 / Plus & R-Line £64.99