Review: Panaracer GravelKing ZX — the only gravel tire you’ll need?

Panaracer has unveiled its latest GravelKing ZX tyre, designed as a versatile, one-tire solution for mixed-terrain gravel riding. Combining a slick central tread with aggressive side lugs, the ZX aims to balance speed on tarmac and smoother gravel with reliable grip on technical sections. The 45mm version tested demonstrated easy installation, impressive rolling speed, and confident cornering and descending performance, all at a competitive price point of around £55. The GravelKing ZX is the product of extensive research and development, including six iterations of tread moulds to perfect its balance of speed, grip, and durability. Panaracer’s TuffTex casing offers robust protection against sharp gravel while maintaining suppleness, supported by a 120tpi carcass for comfort and resilience. A key innovation is the BeadLock technology, which simplifies mounting on modern tubeless and hookless rims, addressing previous difficulties associated with GravelKing tyres. The tyre’s proprietary ZSG compound provides consistent grip and durability through a single-compound formulation, avoiding the uneven wear issues seen in multi-compound designs. Its three-zone tread architecture features a smooth centre strip for low rolling resistance, transitional inner edges for braking and lean-in control, and aggressive outer lugs for traction on loose corners and descents. This design enables the tyre to perform well across varied gravel conditions without the need for frequent tyre changes. In practical testing, the 700c x 45mm ZX tyres mounted easily on 24mm internal width rims and held air securely, even without tyre liners, thanks to the BeadLock system. The ride was smooth and stable, with the tyre maintaining composure under heavy cornering and rough terrain. The shoulder lugs’ graduated height contributed to a slick rolling feel while providing mechanical grip when needed, enhancing overall ride confidence. Panaracer’s GravelKing ZX represents a significant step forward in gravel tyre technology, catering to riders who demand both speed and durability across unpredictable surfaces. Its combination of innovative features and thoughtful design suggests it could become a go-to tyre for mixed-terrain racing and endurance events. With a race version expected soon, the ZX range looks set to expand its appeal among gravel enthusiasts seeking a reliable, high-performance tyre.