Test of the Panaracer Gravelking SK 700×43 mm gravel tire

On paper, this Panaracer GravelKing SK is the perfect compromise for primarily off-road-oriented gravel use on gravel or dirt roads, without sacrificing on-road performance.

Anyway, that’s the opinion of all the gravel riders around me who have used this model, which has a good reputation among gravel cyclists.

Therefore, I decided to test this model for several months in its The 43mm tubeless version is presented at a public price of 49.99 euros.. Excellent versatility on both asphalt and soft ground if the weather is dry.

Presentation

The Panaracer Gravelking SK is known for its versatility with a gravel profile that is more off-road oriented than its smaller brother the Panaracer Gravelking which is a semi-slick version.

Made in Japan, it uses 126 TPI Advanced Extra Alpha Cord carcass, made from high-density yarn, which improves carcass performance as well as abrasion and puncture resistance.

This frame is made of three layers and uses Zero Slip Grip technology to provide a secure grip without sacrificing performance, as well as an anti-flat body that offers good puncture resistance.

Gsince the natural compound ZSG consists of a material of natural origin that provides low rolling resistance and high wear resistance.

As you can see, the rolling surface is equipped square studs are located close to each other on the tread and longitudinal blocks on the shoulders. Target, Get the most out of your car on flat off-road terrain while maintaining good on-road performance.

Panaracer does not skimp on available dimensions:

• 700×32
• 700×35 (380g)
• 700×38 (420 g)
• 700×43 (490g)
• 700×50 (570g)

This is the 43mm version that I decided to try. Claimed to be 490 grams, I weighed my copies at 496 grams. Weight similar to many competitors of the same size.

In terms of colors, Panaracer also offers either a black version or a version with brown sides.

Assembly and sealing

I had no problems fitting these Gravelking SKs to Shimano GRX RX880 rims.

With an internal width of 25mm I didn’t need a tire lever and after adding 50ml of prophylactic fluid disassembling the Zéfal Tanker was a breeze.

Note that the tightness is good, even after a week the pressure changes by barely 0.2 bar, which remains minimal. This happened on both tires. Inflating to 2 bar at the front and 2.4 bar at the rear, even after a week without riding, the pressure remains at 1.8/2.2 bar, which is more than enough to ride even without re-inflating!

The actual width of the tires after installation is between 43.5 and 44 mm.

On the road and paths

When first hitting the road, the Gravelking SK’s performance is quite impressive for a 43mm section. Up to 30 km/h there is no feeling of sticking to the road, the car drives smoothly.

It is only after this 30 km/h mark, undoubtedly due to the solid frontal surface, that we begin to stumble a little. But it appears that this large area is the cause rather than friction on the road.

Because the small squares located on the surface of the tire end up making very little contact with the bitumen. The tire sidewalls are not very flexible, so even at low pressure there is relatively little inflation even when driving.

On compacted gravel and in corners, the GravelKing behaves smoothly and without unpleasant surprises or sharp reactions. Very predictable tire. Once you choose your line, the turns will finish perfectly. Road grip is also very good when braking: you won’t be prone to wheel lock-up too early.

A tread that doesn’t trap too much dirt. Even when driving on very oily terrain, such as clay, it does not stay stuck to the tires for long, and thus you can regain traction once the studs are exposed again.

Even on sandy terrain, the Gravelking SK is comfortable, and the crampons on the shoulders allow you to set a slight angle without error.

It’s no surprise that this Gravelking SK demonstrates its capabilities on very soft terrain. The thinness of the studs no longer provides sufficient traction on muddy terrain.

Even if, as I pointed out above, the mud quickly disappears as soon as you drive on dry sections, traction is limited as soon as the terrain becomes muddy. In this case, you will have to show a fair amount of skill; the bike becomes more than playful, especially on inclined sections.

Also, forget about dancing uphill in mud or wet leaves if the gradient is greater than 8%, because in this case the rear wheel will slip irrevocably. So you’ll have to be careful where you put the wheels because even in relatively dry weather, the slightest mud puddle or patch of wet grass can get pretty nasty.

During the entire test, I did not encounter a single puncture, and even after driving more than 500 km with more than 90% asphalt driving, there were no cuts on the tires.

Of course, this does not have a universal meaning, but at first glance this Gravelking SK cannot be said to be fragile. Likewise, wear appears small at first glance, even if the distance of this test does not allow us to predict the service life of these rubbers.

Moreover, on gravel tires this will greatly depend on the routes traveled. Riding primarily on soft, clear terrain will not cause the same wear and tear as on sharp rocks.

Balance

The GravelKing SK offers very good balance if you need a tire that will accompany you on rough terrain. It’s fast on pavement and very compact off-road, providing good traction in loose terrain… as long as it’s relatively dry.

Displayed on public price €49.99.Whether it comes in a black version or, even sexier, with a brown sidewall, this tire is highly recommended for those who want a versatile gravel tire without the hassle.