The Panaracer GravelKing tyre has been in the marketplace for some time now, a decade in actual fact, as this 12 months is the mannequin’s tenth anniversary. It was one of many first particular gravel tyres to hit the market and has been effectively revered since. We even characteristic the GravelKing SK mannequin in our finest gravel tyres information, however now evidently the Japanese model is able to overhaul and replace the favored tyre.
Panaracer says that over the past two years, it has been busy growing new tech and specs for the whole GravelKing (GK) vary. Regardless of the product line receiving updates and new sizes through the years, Panaracer says the evolution velocity of gravel wheel and tyre tech has required a from-the-ground-up overhaul.
This overhaul means new branding, a brand new brand, new tread sample, new sizing choices, new bead expertise, and even a brand new compound and mannequin. We do not have full particulars of the entire vary of tyres but, however we perceive new GravelKing tyres will probably be priced at £54.99 per tyre while Plus and R-Line fashions will probably be £64.99. (Worldwide pricing is TBC).
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A model new tyre mannequin
Panaracer seems to be set to launch the primary new GK mannequin since 2017. Within the type of the GK X1. The model claims the X1 is the quickest GK tyre ever and has been in growth for over two years utilizing suggestions from testers, athletes and the model’s tech group.
Specifics on the tyre are nonetheless pretty scarce and we are going to goal to check some in time, however for now, all we all know is that the X1 claims to own an aggressive, fast-rolling tread, with claims of superior clearing in moist and muddy terrain and improved management.
We assume the X1 will characteristic the brand new GK brand and packaging Panaracer has created which can also be to assist differentiate between new and older fashions. Solely the identify and mannequin treads are set to stay the identical.
A sizing overhaul
The unique GK tyres have been designed round a 17mm internal rim width based on Panaracer, which may be very slim in comparison with trendy rim requirements.
The model says the brand new tyres will convey higher hookless rim compatibility alongside enhancing mounting and specs usually extra up-to-date design specs. Sizing for tyres will begin at 30c and enhance in increments of 5 as much as 50c. The 32, 38 and 43c sizes are being retired.
Whereas 32 tyres are nonetheless seen on this planet of cyclocross, and even on the highway these days, gravel bikes are usually fitted- and ridden with bigger quantity tyres.
Panaracer says 650b, 26in and 29in choices will nonetheless be out there.
New bead expertise and a recent compound
Panaracer can also be saying a brand new ‘BeadLock’ expertise consistent with the brand new vary. The model says BeadLock is a redesigned tyre bead that ought to accommodate an ‘intensive array’ of rim varieties, each hookless and hooked. Additionally they declare it ought to imply tubeless tyre mounting must be achievable with simply an ordinary ground pump.
There may be additionally set to be a brand new tyre compound within the type of the ZSG Gravel compound, utilizing what Panaracer calls Zero Grip Slip materials. The model says it’s designed to carry out effectively on gravel and tarmac surfaces and guarantee low rolling resistance while sustaining grip.
Lastly, up to date TuffTex and TuffTex+ materials expertise go into the GK tyre casings to supply sturdiness and puncture safety. Equally, a brand new TuffTex R materials is used for probably the most supple and light-weight GK casings and helps present the bottom rolling resistance out there in a GK tyre.
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