CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing Plus TLC 35

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  • Panaracer GravelKing Plus TLC 35
Performance compared to all other CX/Gravel tires
(100% is best)
Pro Members get 11-point radar charts



Panaracer GravelKing Plus TLC 35 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

The Panaracer GravelKing Plus (or GravelKing+) is a reinforced version of the popular GravelKing gravel bike tire. Just like the regular GravelKing, nearly all other versions of the Panaracer GravelKing (SS, SK, EXT) have a Plus version available. All Plus versions come with an extra layer of "ProTite Shield Plus" under the tread that provides additional protection against cuts and punctures.


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We assume that everybody likes extra protection, but it comes with some drawbacks as well. The first drawback, and also the one that's easiest to spot, is the extra layer of puncture-resistant material adds more weight to the tires. We looked up the specifications, and the 32-622, 35-622, and 40-622 Plus versions of the GravelKing come in 40 grams heavier than the non-Plus versions.


Another drawback, and probably the one you'll notice the most, is the extra layer of puncture-resistant material results in a higher rolling resistance. How much higher the rolling resistance will be, depends on the properties of the "ProTite Shield Plus" anti-puncture material as not all anti-puncture materials are the same.


We've tested the TLC (tubeless-compatible) version of the GravelKing Plus in the 35-622 size and will compare it to the 40-622 GravelKing TLC (read our review), 40-622 GravelKing SS TLC (read our review), and 40-622 GravelKing SK TLC (read our review) that we've tested previously.


Manufacturer Specifications


Manufacturer Specs
Brand Panaracer
Model GravelKing Plus TLC
Year 2021
Supplied By Bought in store
New or Used New
Mileage 0 km
Price Range High
Buy At Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number RF735-GK-P-B
TPI -
Compound ZSG
Bead Folding
ETRTO 35-622
Specified Weight 350 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi) 75
Made In Members Only
Available Sizes 32-622 (700x32c)
35-622 (700x35c)
40-622 (700x38c)

Panaracer GravelKing Plus TLC 35 Test Results

Panaracer GravelKing Plus TLC 35  mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements


Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight 350 grams
Measured Weight 356 grams
Measured Width Casing 35 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread 35 mm
Measured Height 32 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center 0.2 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge 0.2 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs) 2.30 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall Members Only
All size measurements are taken at low air pressure on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results


Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube None (30 ml sealant)

(current protocol)
Conti Cross28 (160 gr)

(test protocol)
Measured Width 35 mm 35 mm
Rolling Resistance
Real tire width in mm:
30-32 = 66 psi/4.6 bar
33-35 = 60 psi/4.1 bar
36-38 = 54 psi/3.7 bar
39-42 = 50 psi/3.4 bar
43-46 = 46 psi/3.2 bar
47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 bar
High Air Pressure

(60 psi / 4.1 bar)
Members OnlyMembers Only
Rolling Resistance
Real tire width in mm:
30-32 = 55 psi/3.8 bar
33-35 = 50 psi/3.4 bar
36-38 = 45 psi/3.1 bar
39-42 = 42 psi/2.9 bar
43-46 = 38 psi/2.6 bar
47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 bar
Medium Air Pressure

(50 psi / 3.4 bar)
Members OnlyMembers Only
Rolling Resistance
Real tire width in mm:
30-32 = 44 psi/3.0 bar
33-35 = 40 psi/2.8 bar
36-38 = 36 psi/2.6 bar
39-42 = 33 psi/2.3 bar
43-46 = 31 psi/2.1 bar
47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 bar
Low Air Pressure

(40 psi / 2.8 bar)
23.1 Watts
CRR: 0.00692
26.9 Watts
CRR: 0.00806
Rolling Resistance
Real tire width in mm:
30-32 = 33 psi/2.3 bar
33-35 = 30 psi/2.1 bar
36-38 = 27 psi/1.9 bar
39-42 = 25 psi/1.7 bar
43-46 = 23 psi/1.6 bar
47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 bar
Extra Low Air Pressure

(30 psi / 2.1 bar)
26.6 Watts
CRR: 0.00797
31.6 Watts
CRR: 0.00947
The CX/Gravel section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width.

All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs.

Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Panaracer GravelKing Plus TLC 35  mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine
Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread 47 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle Members Only
Tread Total Tire Thickness 2.30 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle Members Only
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle Members Only
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness Members Only

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results


Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average 61 Points
Wet Grip Center Members Only
Wet Grip Edge Members Only
Measured Knob Height Center 0.2 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge 0.2 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100
CX/Gravel grip test rim width = 23.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion


  • Panaracer GravelKing Plus TLC 35
Performance compared to all other CX/Gravel tires
(100% is fastest - lightest - highest - strongest)

Pro Members get 11-point radar charts

The extra layer of anti-puncture resistant material under the tread of the GravelKing Plus adds quite a lot of rolling resistance. Rolling resistance comes in at about 30% higher when compared to the non-Plus version of the GravelKing. The good part is that the puncture resistance of the tread has increased by 67%, which should give good protection for most gravel bike circumstances.


When we compare the GravelKing Plus to the competition, we do think there are better alternatives. If you like to stay with Panaracer, we suggest the GravelKing SS (Semi-Slick) (read our review) that offers nearly the same protection but offers better edge grip and a lower rolling resistance. The Challenge Strada Bianca Pro HTLR (read our review) offers a similar tread pattern, nearly the same puncture resistance, but still is one of the fastest rolling gravel bike tires.


Ad Buy Panaracer GravelKing Plus TLC at Amazon.com


RATING: 3.3 / 5
TEST VERDICT:
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