The Panaracer GRAVELKING ZX is a race-oriented tubeless-ready gravel tire that combines high-speed cruising performance with excellent cornering performance, thanks to its slick center tread and optimized shoulder knobs. It provides nimble handling on surfaces ranging from pavement to hardpack gravel.
Panaracer GRAVELKING ZX｜Race gravel tires honed for victory
Achieving both exceptionally low rolling resistance and reliable cornering performance, these are the fastest class of GRAVELKING series gravel tires, developed for riders who demand results in racing.
As gravel races become faster, what's demanded is not just grip. It's about maintaining speed on paved roads and hard-packed gravel, while securely supporting the bike through corners. The GRAVELKING ZX achieves these seemingly contradictory performances at a high level.
The center tread features a bold slick design, drastically reducing rolling resistance. From the moment you press the pedal, it generates a sprightly acceleration, significantly contributing to maintaining speed during high-speed cruising.
Meanwhile, the shoulder areas are equipped with a uniquely designed "Onime Yasuri" (demon's eye rasp) pattern and inverted V-shaped knobs. This ensures stable traction and lateral grip on hard-packed gravel and during cornering, allowing for aggressive lines.
The tubeless-ready construction also allows for low-pressure operation. This enhances comfort and traction performance, delivering the riding performance required for gravel races and high-speed rides.
This is a new option in the GRAVELKING series, developed for riders who seek speed.
Features
Excellent rolling performance due to center slick structure
Ideal for high-speed cruising on paved roads and hard-packed gravel
Reliable traction performance with the "Onime Yasuri" pattern
Stable cornering performance with inverted V-shaped knob placement
Race-oriented high-speed gravel tire design
Tubeless-ready compatible (can be used with tubes)
Lightweight folding bead adopted
Suitable for a wide range of conditions from paved roads to gravel
SPEC
Model: GRAVELKING ZX
Bead: Folding
Size: 700×45C (45-622)
Size: 700×50C (50-622)
Color: Black / Black×Brown Side
Weight: 700×45C＝560g
Weight: 700×50C＝640g
Recommended Internal Pressure: 45C＝MAX 400kPa
Recommended Internal Pressure: 50C＝MAX 350kPa
Specification: Tubeless Ready (can be used with tubes)
Recommended Sealant: Seal Smart EX
Compared to previous GRAVELKING series models, this one gives a strong impression of being focused on "speed."
The lightness of the rolling resistance the moment you hit paved roads is very noticeable, and I feel it helps maintain speed over long forest road sections and road segments.
Yet, the shoulder knobs function well, so there's less anxiety in gravel corners, providing the confidence to lean the bike aggressively.
This tire is highly recommended for those aiming for race results, as well as those who want to "ride more lightly than with their current gravel tires."
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Gravel is entering an era where "fatter means faster." We tried installing GRAVELKING ZX on ROVE and RENEGADE.
From the standard gravel tire sizes of 38-40C, we are now seeing a shift to 45-50C. Especially in racing, the idea that "fatter is faster in real-world riding" is gaining traction.
This time, we tested Panaracer's new "GRAVELKING ZX." It's a "fat and fast tire" that combines the easy rolling of a slick center with the reassuring stability unique to 50C-class tires.
We actually installed it on our popular gravel bikes, the KONA ROVE ST and JAMIS RENEGADE S3, and checked the clearance and compatibility. We delve into the gravel tire situation in the 50C era, beyond just speed.
The concept of "fat and fast tires" spreading from gravel racing
50C is now "fast and stable," not "heavy"
Gravel tires have widened significantly in recent years. What was once the standard 38-40C has now shifted to the 45-50C class.
Beyond road-hugging and traction performance due to low pressure, the focus is now on "real-world speed" due to reduced slip loss.
The GRAVELKING ZX is Panaracer's new tire that reflects these latest trends in gravel racing.
Slick center × side knobs. ZX's unique race-oriented design
Combining light rolling on paved roads with confidence on gravel
The ZX features a combination of a completely slick center and naturally connecting side knobs.
This exquisite tread pattern allows for nimble rolling on pavement while maintaining excellent grip when transitioning to dirt.
Its speedy appearance, more like an extension of a road tire than a "chunky gravel tire," is also appealing.
We installed 50C on the ROVE ST and RENEGADE S3.
KONA ROVE ST
JAMIS RENEGADE S3
How 50C "fits" varies by bike
On the KONA ROVE ST, the 50C fit surprisingly naturally. In fact, this width seemed to suit the character of the current ROVE even better.
On the other hand, the JAMIS RENEGADE S3 was quite tight. The clearance was minimal, but that "snug fit" also has its own unique appeal.
It's interesting how even with the same 50C, the individual character of each bike clearly emerges. If your bike has ample clearance, it's definitely worth trying.
The evolution of gravel tires is changing the perception of "width."
While "thinner is faster" was once the norm for gravel tires, the superiority of wider tires is gradually being proven in actual racing scenarios.
The GRAVELKING ZX is a tire that reflects this latest trend. Despite its 50C size, it rolls smoothly on paved roads and provides a strong sense of security on gravel.
This tire is not only for race-oriented riders but also for those who want to enjoy gravel more comfortably and freely. If you have ample clearance, definitely give it a try.
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KONA ROVE ST
JAMIS RENEGADE S3
