CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40

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  • Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40
Performance compared to all other CX/Gravel tires
(100% is best)
Pro Members get 11-point radar charts



Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

The Panaracer GravelKing SS (Semi-Slick) TLC is a gravel bike tire positioned right in between the nearly-slick GravelKing and the GravelKing SK that's made for rougher conditions. The GravelKing SS features a tread pattern that we see more often on gravel bike tires: a nearly-slick center tread and bigger knobs (GravelKing SK-like) toward the edge of the tire.


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From a construction standpoint, the TLC (Tubeless-Compatible) versions of the GravelKing (read our review), GravelKing SK (read our review), and GravelKing SS are identical as they all use the same casing and compound. The TLC casing is made from Panaracer's "AX-Alpha Cord" that, together with an extra layer of puncture-resistant material that runs from bead to bead, makes this an "Anti-Flat Casing". The compound is Panaracer's ZSG (Zero Slip Grip) compound that's used on many other Panaracer tires.


Just like many other Panaracer tires, the GravelKing SS is available in a large range of sizes that range from 32-622 up to the 43-622 and 48-584 sizes. We've tested the TLC version as it appears to be the most popular because of its versatility. The TLC version gives you the choice to use it with an inner tube or in a tubeless set up with sealant.


Manufacturer Specifications


Manufacturer Specs
Brand Panaracer
Model GravelKing SS 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 RF738-GK-SMS-B
TPI -
Compound ZSG
Bead Folding
ETRTO 40-622
Specified Weight 410 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi) 75
Made In Members Only
Available Sizes 32-622 (700x32c)
35-622 (700x35c)
40-622 (700x38c)
43-622 (700x43c)
48-584 (650x48b)

Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40 Test Results

Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40  mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements


Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight 410 grams
Measured Weight 405 grams
Measured Width Casing 36 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread 36 mm
Measured Height 33 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center 0.2 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge 1.7 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs) 2.80 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 36 mm 36 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

(54 psi / 3.7 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

(45 psi / 3.1 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

(36 psi / 2.6 bar)
19.2 Watts
CRR: 0.00576
23.0 Watts
CRR: 0.00689
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

(27 psi / 1.9 bar)
22.5 Watts
CRR: 0.00674
27.5 Watts
CRR: 0.00824
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 SS TLC 40  mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine
Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread 45 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 2.80 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 64 Points
Wet Grip Center Members Only
Wet Grip Edge Members Only
Measured Knob Height Center 0.2 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


  • Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40
Performance compared to all other CX/Gravel tires
(100% is fastest - lightest - highest - strongest)

Pro Members get 11-point radar charts

The Panaracer GravelKing SS performs excellent in our tests. In the rolling resistance tests, it shows good performance and comes in right between the very fast GravelKing and still quite fast GravelKing SK. The real strength of the GravelKing SS can be found in the puncture resistance tests of the tread as it scores much better here mainly because of the increased thickness of the tread.


If you've suffered cuts, punctures, or lack of durability with the regular GravelKing, we highly recommend you to try the GravelKing SS as it's a more solid gravel bike tire that also should last a bit longer. The increased strength and durability comes at the cost of a few watts of rolling resistance and an extra ~70 grams per tire increase in rotational weight.


If you like to compare the Panaracer GravelKing, GravelKing SS, and GravelKing side by side, try our comparison section: Panaracer GravelKing vs GravelKing SS vs GravelKing SK.


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RATING: 4.3 / 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended


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