Panaracer have dropped their newest GravelKing tire today, April 14. They promise the GravelKing ZX is their “fastest ever one-tire solution for mixed terrain,” engineered to eliminate the need for tire-swapping between diverse gravel courses. By combining a slick center with aggressive side lugs, it effectively targets a 60/40 split between tarmac speed, even on smoother gravel, and technical control. In testing, the 45mm variant proved exceptionally easy to mount, felt faster than expected, and provided massively confident cornering and descending with a fast-rolling shoulder tread that bites hard without adding perceived drag. At US$64.99 / £54.99 / €59.99, these tires are a great value.
Technical specs
- Model: Panaracer GravelKing ZX
- Available widths: 700c ranging from 35mm to 55mm
- Casing: TuffTex (Standard high-performance armored construction)
- Compound: Proprietary ZSG (Zero Slip Grip) Gravel
- Bead Technology: BeadLock (Hookless compatible)
- Tread Design: Three-Zone architecture
Tech n’ Spec: Decoding the Buzzwords
Panaracer didn’t just slap a new label on a legacy casing; the ZX is the result of an intensive design process intended to balance race-ready speed with endurance-grade durability. This included an exhaustive R&D phase where six separate mold iterations were tested to refine the tread profile, grip characteristics, and overall ride feel until the perfect balance was achieved.
As Jeff Zell, Panaracer’s Global Go to Guy, sez:
“We’re excited to introduce the GRAVELKING ZX as the next evolution in our GRAVELKING range. Designed for today’s mixed-surface riding, it delivers race-ready speed alongside the grip and durability riders need when conditions become unpredictable.”
Here is the breakdown of the tech keeping you upright:
TuffTex Casing
The TuffTex construction is engineered to reduce damage from sharp gravel while maintaining a supple ride quality. It provides the necessary armor for the flinty sectors of Unbound or the technical, varied gravel of the Michigan Gravel Race Series.
BeadLock Technology
The historical “GravelKing Struggle” during installation appears to be a thing of the past. BeadLock is a ground-up redesign of the bead shape. It is specifically engineered to “lock” into the rim shelf of modern tubeless and hookless wheels—and no, hookless isn’t dead yet. This tech simplifies installation ensuring the bead remains stable even at the lower pressures of a high-volume setup.
ZSG (Zero Slip Grip) Gravel Compound
Consistent with Panaracer’s long-standing philosophy, the ZX uses a single compound formulation. Unlike multi-compound tires that can exhibit inconsistent grip as different layers wear down, this single-compound approach ensures predictable ride characteristics and long-term durability. It is formulated specifically for the high-rebound gravel demands, staying tacky in varied conditions without sacrificing rolling efficiency.
Three-Zone Architecture
The defining characteristic of the ZX is its tread:
- Zone 1 (Center): A smooth strip that minimizes rolling resistance on tarmac and hard-packed gravel.
- Zone 2 (Inner Edge): A transitional tread that engages during braking and initial lean-in, ensuring a predictable feel.
- Zone 3 (Outer Edge): Aggressive side lugs that provide mechanical traction for loose corners and technical descents.
Ride impressions: performance on course
The tires on test
Panaracer sent over a pair of their 700c x 45mm ZX standard tires for test. Key specs of the test samples:
- Size: 700c x 45mm (black on black)
- Width-as-Measured: 44.98mm on 24mm internal width rims
- Weight: 557g. On my scale they came in at 557g, Panaracer didn’t make a weight claim. But, at 557g, these are in the normal range for a high-performance tubeless tire. I suspect the race version, due later this spring, will come in 60-80g lighter.
The Setup
Unboxing was straightforward. Open the box, take the rubber band off, and mount them.
Installation on my DT Swiss GRC1400 rims (24mm internal width) was straightforward. Using a tire jack and a Crank Brothers Speedier Lever, the tires were mounted in short order. The first tire was seated with no hassles using a high-volume floor pump. The beads locked in around 50 psi. The second tire, seated via an air compressor, locked into the bead seat in roughly five seconds with a reassuring “pop.” If you’ve ever wrestled with GravelKings and struggled to get them mounted, those days appear over.
Once mounted, and sealant was in place, setting the pressure was next. While the Silca tire pressure calculator provided me with a baseline of 31.5 psi rear and 31 psi front, a couple of real-world test rides favored a slightly firmer feel. The optimal pressure for me on this 45mm tire (44.98mm WAM) settled at 32 psi front and 34 psi rear. I could have ridden them slightly lower, but I felt more confident with a little more air to keep the sidewalls a tad stiffer. The WAM also left plenty of room in my test rig which officially maxes out at 47mm for a 700C tire.
Ride Quality and Stability
The ride feel was smooth, even over chunky gravel. Despite the lack of tire liners, the ZX handled significant impacts and potholes without burping or losing air, confirming the security of the BeadLock interface. “Roll-in” felt natural and linear. Unlike thinner casings that can “squirm” or deform under heavy cornering loads—particularly on the front wheel—the ZX remained stable at all lean angles, tracking exactly where it was pointed. More importantly, the chunky shoulder blocks were shaped so they were shorter nearer the center getting taller toward the edge, granting a smooth roll over that felt like a slick road tire.
The Shoulder Block “Mystery”
The functional performance of the shoulder blocks is the centerpiece of this tire. Visually, the chunky blocks appear oriented “the wrong way” despite the rotation arrow, and initially I was skeptical how this would feel when cornering. However, this orientation must be the secret to the tire’s mechanical traction as experienced on test. The blocks bit hard into the surface during maneuvers through intersections with heavy, loose gravel with no perceived drag or resistance. No skidding, no squirrelly shimmies, just traction and changing confidently changing direction to wherever I pointed the front end.
Another benefit of the shoulder blocks, as claimed by Panaracer in the description of the Three-Zone Architecture above: as speed picked up on the descents, there was zero perceived loss of traction. Under race conditions, attacking downhill can be the winning move–for Tom Pidcock, not me. Regardless, I saw 70 km/h on a descent covered with loose pea gravel, and I have the Strava to prove it. By that point in the race, and in my time with these tires, I was confident that they would track. Certainly the suppleness of the carcass was a key factor, but the side blocks were critical to keeping the tire tracking true.
Andy sez: “As I I look back to the Dirty 30 Gravel Grinder, it’s clear these tires would have let me push harder through the corners. These tires just lock in when you tip them over.”
Acceleration and Climbing
Despite the actual weight of the tires (over 1100g for the set), the ZX never felt heavy during standing accelerations or climbs. If there is a weight penalty with these “standard” tires, the smooth and efficient rolling center tread seemed to make it irrelevant.
Pricing and Availability
The GravelKing ZX is officially available starting April 14, 2026.
The Bottom Line
The GravelKing ZX is a confidence-inspiring one-tire solution that effectively bridges the gap between a pure road slick and a heavy-duty gravel tire. Its ability to provide rock-stable cornering on unpredictable surfaces while maintaining high-speed efficiency on tarmac and smooth gravel sections makes it an ideal choice for the diverse demands of modern gravel racing. Between the hassle-free setup and the secure, supple ride feel, it is a standout performer that encourages aggressive riding without any apparent technical compromises.
For full details and ordering direct, visit Panaracer.com.
Note: If you have other experiences with gear or something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). Give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews or call us out if you feel the need!
PezCycling News and the author ask that you consult the manufacturers if you have any questions about the products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper/safe use, handling, maintenance, and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
The post Review: Panaracer GravelKing ZX — the only gravel tire you’ll need? appeared first on PezCycling News.
