CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing SS Plus TLC 40

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



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

The Plus version of the Panaracer Gravelking SS (Semi-Slick) TLC is a reinforced version of the non-Plus GravelKing SS (read our review) that we tested a couple of months ago. The non-Plus GravelKing SS turned out to be quite a strong performer in our tests as it already offers much better puncture resistance when compared to the "regular" GravelKing while being just a bit slower.


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The Gravelking SS Plus comes with an extra layer of "ProTire Shield Plus" anti-puncture material that protects the tire's tread and sidewalls. The bead-to-bead protection is different from the "regular" Gravelking Plus (read our review) that we tested a while back as that one comes with an anti-puncture strip that only covers the tread. Our initial thought was that all the Panaracer "Plus" versions would offer the same protection, so we're a bit surprised by these differences.


Another indication the "Plus" versions do not always offer the same protection can be found in the specified weights of the Gravelkings. The "regular" Gravelking is just 10 grams heavier than the non-plus version in the same size, while the GravelKing SS Plus comes in 50 grams heavier than the non-plus version. As there are many more versions of the Gravelking available, and it's a good idea to check the specified weights to get an idea about the added protection of the Plus version.


Manufacturer Specifications


Manufacturer Specs
Brand Panaracer
Model GravelKing SS 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 RF738-GK-SMS-P-D
TPI -
Compound ZSG
Bead Folding
ETRTO 40-622
Specified Weight 460 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 Plus TLC 40 Test Results

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

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements


Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight 460 grams
Measured Weight 474 grams
Measured Width Casing 36 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread 36 mm
Measured Height 43 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center 0.2 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge 1.5 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs) 3.40 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)
25.5 Watts
CRR: 0.00764
29.3 Watts
CRR: 0.00878
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)
30.0 Watts
CRR: 0.00899
35.0 Watts
CRR: 0.01049
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 Plus TLC 40  mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine
Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread 70 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 3.40 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 1.5 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 Plus 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 Plus TLC offers massive protection with very high scores in both the center and sidewall puncture tests. Given the high level of protection, rolling resistance is still reasonable, but we wouldn't advise this tire if you're looking for a fast-rolling gravel bike tire.


The main thing that we've learned from this test is that not all Plus versions of the Panaracer Gravelking come with the same level of protection. The Plus version of the regular Gravelking only offers a protected tread, while the Plus version of the GravelKing SS adds full tire protection, including the sidewalls. If you want to know the protection levels of the other versions of the Gravelking, look at the specified weights -> If it's just 10-20 grams higher, it's protection under the tread; if it's 40-60 grams higher, it's bead to bead protection.


Ad Buy Panaracer GravelKing SS Plus TLC at Amazon.com


RATING: 3.3 / 5
TEST VERDICT:
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