CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing SK TLC 40

The Panaracer GravelKing SK is a version of the GravelKing (read our review) intended for somewhat heavier gravel riding. The construction with the "Anti-Flat" casing and "ZSG Natural" compound is the same as the regular GravelKing we tested before, but with a more aggressive tread.

The larger versions from 32 mm and up are only available with the TLC (tubeless-compatible) casing that makes it easy to set these tires up tubeless. The GravelKing SK is also available in slightly larger sizes up to 50-522, 54-584, and 54-559. All sizes are also available with both black sidewalls, or brown sidewalls for the more classic look.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Panaracer
Model	GravelKing SK TLC
Year	2020
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At
Manufacturer part number	RF738-GKSK-B
EAN	4931253016257
TPI	-
Compound	ZSG
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	40-622
Specified Weight	420 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	75
Made In	Pro Data
Available Sizes	32-622 (700x32c) 35-622 (700x35c) 40-622 (700x38c) 43-622 (700x43c) 50-622 (700x50c) 43-584 (650bx43) 48-584 (650bx48) 54-584 (650bx54) 26x2.10

Panaracer GravelKing SK TLC 40 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	420 grams
Measured Weight	404 grams
Measured Width Casing	37 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	36 mm
Measured Height	35 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	1.7 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	1.7 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	1.70 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Pro Data
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)
Measured Width	37 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 barHigh Air Pressure (54 psi / 3.7 bar)	Pro Data
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 barMedium Air Pressure (45 psi / 3.1 bar)	Pro Data
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 barLow Air Pressure (36 psi / 2.6 bar)	20.9 Watts CRR: 0.00626
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 barExtra Low Air Pressure (27 psi / 1.9 bar)	Pro Data
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

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	28 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	7
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Tread Total Tire Thickness	1.70 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Pro Data

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	64 Points
Wet Grip Center	Pro Data
Wet Grip Edge	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	1.7 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	1.7 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

Our results show that the GravelKing SK is made from the same materials as the regular GravelKing. As expected, the rolling resistance is higher because the SK has a more aggressive tread pattern than the regular GravelKing that is nearly a slick tire. All other test results are almost the same.

We think that the GravelKing SK is a great tire for gravel use, although we think that the puncture resistance is not great, which is why this tire scores slightly lower. Visit the CX/Gravel overview page to see for yourself how this tire performs when compared to other cx/gravel bike tires.

RATING: 4.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

Comments