“Formed in 1953, Panaracer began manufacturing rubber products for a variety of commercial and consumer applications. In 1978 we began to exclusively manufacture bicycle tires so we could carefully focus on producing the finest tires available today. Without a doubt, Panaracer is the last Japanese manufacturer still producing bicycle tires in Japan. We feel that our domestic production allows us to maintain our quality control at the highest levels.”
Panaracer has made their mark in the MTB world, with models such as the Smoke and the Dart. In more recent years, they responded to the growth of the gravel cycling market, producing tyres such as the Comet (we reviewed the Comet on behalf of our friends at BikeRumor.com) and the Gravelking.
The Gravel King is available in two distinct flavors:
- Gravel King – The regular file-tread version, available in 700c x 23mm to 700c x 32mm – mostly suited to pavement and some of the nicer gravel roads around the world.
- Gravel King SK – Featuring a more aggressive tread and wider casing for the demands of true gravel cycling. This model also happens to be tubeless ready and is available in 700c x 32mm, 700c x 35mm and 700c x 40mm widths. Featuring Panaracer’s ZSG Natural rubber compound, puncture protection breaker and AX-⍺ special low rolling resistance casing make the “Gravelking a go-anywhere tire.”
A “go-anywhere tire” is a pretty bold claim to make; naturally, we had to put those claims to the test.
Panaracer USA were kind enough to send along two sets of the Gravelking SK for test – the 700c x 35mm and 700c x 40mm versions.
Weight
- The sample 700c x 35mm Gravelking SK tyres weighed 382 and 384 respectively, just a tad over their advertised weight.
- The sample 700c x 40mm Gravelking SK tyres weighed 496 and 504 grams respectively, again a small amount over their advertised weights.
Mounting the Panaracer Gravelking SK
The 700c x 35mm and 700c x 40mm versions of the Gravelking SK are very easy to mount. The best way to demonstrate the ease at which this process happened is to link to the video review (below) of the Topeak Joe Blow Booster Pump I reviewed earlier. The video below will jump directly to the spot where I inflate the Gravelking.
As always, dry mount the tyre first sans sealant, to ensure it will seat and hold air.
I mounted the Gravelking SK to these five wheelsets with ease:
- American Classic Argent Disc wheelset.
- American Classic Hurricane rim brake wheelset – non tubeless and tubeless type.
- American Classic RD2218 wheelset with Shimano Dura-Ace hubs.
- Mavic Allroad Pro Disc wheelset.
- Stan’s Notubes Alpha 340 wheelset with Shimano Dura-Ace hubs.
If you ever have trouble mounting a tubeless tyre, these tips can solve the problem:
- Remove the valve core and inflate. This process allows a greater volume of air into the tyre and most times, will pop the tire right onto the bead.
- If this doesn’t work, apply something like Sleek Beeswax & Mink Oil Furniture Polish to the sidewall. This product is far better than soap and water, and will help seat even the most stubborn of tyres. This product can be purchased from your local furniture store or online.
- Once the dry mount test has been passed, install your favourite sealant and inflate. Don’t forget to keep a fingertip over the valve if you removed the core. This simple step will retain the air you just inflated; if you’re good at juggling, you can quickly re-install the valve core and still keep some air inside the tyre. Then, inflate to the desired pressure.
In all cases, I used Orange Seal’s Endurance Formula with the Panaracer Gravelking SK sample tyres.
Do the Panaracer Gravelking SK’s measure up?
Taking an average measurement across the wheelsets I used these tyres with, the 700c x 35mm versions measure 38mm wide, and the 700c x 40mm versions measured 43mm wide.
Frame clearance may be an issue for some of today’s modern framesets if you choose the 700c x 40mm version of the Gravelking SK. The 40mm tyre was a tight fit in my Parlee Chebacco review bike, which was the configuration I ran at the 2016 Dirty Kanza. You can check out that bike in more detail HERE.
Riding the GravelKings…
Like many of the tyres that adorn my bikes, both pairs of the sample Gravelkings have traveled near and far. As mentioned earlier, the 700c x 40mm set was my tyre of choice at the 2016 Dirty Kanza race. The 700c x 35mm versions have rolled a bunch of training miles and appeared at 2016 Gravel Worlds and the 2016 Pisgah Monster Cross race. I haven’t exactly been kind to them…
I rode the 700c x 40mm models at 40psi front and rear – probably a bit to high to best honest, and the 700c x 35mm versions – after a bit of psi experimentation, at 35psi front and 38psi rear. Bob Cummings of the Panracer Gravel team provided some good tyre pressure insight – thanks Bob!
The 700c x 40mm tyre was the perfect choice for a race such as Dirty Kanza 200. Weight-wise, they are on par with similar tyres of this width, but instill great confidence and security when the terrain gets really rough. The first 75 miles of Dirty Kanza feature plenty of rocky roads and the larger volume Gravelking handled them with ease. I still picked my lines with great care, but their tough nature eradicated any worries in my mind about puncturing a tyre; I could focus on riding.
The little knobs that comprise much of the tread pattern roll very fast on most gravel road road surfaces; on pavement, they fly. However, if the texture of mud is just right – and by that I mean the mud you’ll find at Dirty Kanza (Emporia, Kansas) – tacky and sticky – the Gravelkings will collect mud, grit and small stones – and potentially begin packing up. However, that phenomenon happened to many riders at the 2016 race, no matter what tyre they were riding. Such is the nature of the muddy roads in that area.
Unless the gravel is gnarly, the 700c x 40mm version of the Gravelking may be complete overkill for many of the gravel roads throughout the world. Sure, they are tough, but they felt sluggish to accelerate, particularly on the local roads in my USA home town of Gainesville, Florida. I felt handicapped during a fast gravel group ride, which typically feature a lot of attacking. The Gravelkings roll fast once up to speed, but during acceleration they felt slow. But, if you’re chugging along all day at a race like Dirty Kanza 200, this is a moot point and the 40mm size is very worthy of consideration.
On the other hand, the 700c x 35mm version of the Gravelking is a rocket. Over 120 grams lighter, and with a casing that measures at least 38mm on every wheelset I tested them on, they are fast. Just like their bigger brother, they roll fast over just about everything, but with the added advantage of fast acceleration.
An additional surprise was how well they rode across sandy roads. The roads I ride between Gainesville, Florida and little towns like Live Oak, Florida can get a bit loose in places with sand scattered here and there. Without doubt, this was the fastest rolling “narrow” tyre I’ve ridden on gravel when sand is present on the surface. Granted, you’ll sink like a stone if the road truly turns to sand – then, time to get our your Monster CX bike with its 2.0″ tyres – but I was impressed with their performance. Suffice to say, I like the 700c x 35mm version of the Panaracer Gravelking SK a lot.
Both widths offer grip in all situations and surfaces, barring only the loosest of gravel while cornering – but this is an issue inherent to any tyre cornering hard on gravel. On the subject of cornering, the Gravelking SK 700c x 35’s have lovely manners for descending some of the gnarly gravel in the mountains of North Carolina.
This ain’t your nice Midwest gravel – some of these roads are rutted up and potholed to hell – all while flying down a serious mountain where good brakes, concentration and skills go hand in hand. In the photo above, I’m suffering hard on a gravel climb in North Carolina at the 2016 Pisgah Monster Cross, rolling the Panaracer Gravelking SK in 35mm.
As a side note, if you haven’t ridden gravel roads in places such as North Carolina and Virginia, you really ought to. Amazing gravel and amazing scenery!
I’ve already mentioned both versions of the Panaracer Gravelking SK are tough – both widths have experienced no cuts or slices in their casings during the period of my review. Nor have I punctured… maybe I got lucky there? Also, the Gravelking SK’s are long wearing. I have barely made a dent in the 700c x 35mm model which is the one I have ridden the most miles / kilometres on.
Summary
For gnarly gravel terrain and the miles are long, I would choose the Panaracer Gravelking SK 700c x 40mm tyre. It is my go to “narrow” tyre for that event.
For everything else, the Panaracer Gravelking SK 700c x 35mm tyre is fantastic. I rate these as highly as the Maxxis Rambler I reviewed earlier, although I feel the Panaracers offer better protection from punctures – whereas the Ramblers perform better in more varied situations – you could ride Ramblers on an easy MTB trail without trouble.
But, the Gravelkings are appropriately named – they are Kings on gravel and a tyre very worthy of consideration.
Panaracer Gravelking SK’s are a veritable bargain, priced anywhere from $40 – $45 depending on where you buy.
Highly recommended by the Gravel Cyclist crew!
| Online Shopping Links |
| Panaracer GravelKing SK+ Tire – Tubeless Various Colors / Sizes |
| Click this Link to BUY from Amazon |
| Panaracer GravelKing SS Tire – Tubeless Black / Brown 700c x 38 |
| Click this Link to BUY from Amazon |
| Panaracer GravelKing SS+ Tire – Tubeless Black 700c x 38 |
| Click this Link to BUY from Amazon |
Thanks for the review. I am running 700 X 35 CycloXKings now. I am thinking these 35 mm Gravel Kings might be good to try when I need to replace them. I am also considering the Clement XPlor USH in 35 mm.
Gary, we have a pair of the Clement tires you refer in the queue to test…
JOM, just bought and mounted a set of Graveling SK 35’s this weekend. Great tire so far. They measure 38mm wide on my HED Ardennes Plus rims.
I replaced a different brand of tubeless tire after trying four of them and all four had significant wobble issues. The Panaracer QC is so much better. They roll perfectly true. Thanks for helping me find a great replacement.
Great review Jomie. You have the distance in the saddle to be an authority – when I need to buy some treads I will follow your lead.
One note on your review: Per the Velominati, your Aussie kin folks, all cycling distances are described in kilometers. https://www.velominati.com/the-rules/
I try to cater to as many audiences as possible…
Looking forward to picking these up when the Skinwall’s come out in November (confirmed with Panaracer).
Any thoughts on running 35 in the rear and 40 in the front? I’m a mountain biker and have always wondered why the different F/R tire model so common in MTB hasn’t picked up in GG.
Hey Josh, I haven’t run that setup personally but the guys on the Panaracer gravel team in the Midwest ran that very setup at the 2016 Dirty Kanza 200.
I think a lot of gravel folks may have come from road cycling backgrounds – not speaking for everyone but I know some people would be annoyed by the lack of symmetry with the different sizes tyres 🙂
Bought a set of the 35mm last week and mounted one on the back of my gravel bike – ATR Reynolds carbon rims. Absolutely the hardest tire I have ever mounted and I have used several different brands/models on this wheelset. After a couple rides I measured the width and at 40lbs it measures 34.54mm. Mounted tubeless using truckers cream sealant and it still leaks down over a couple days, no obvious sealant leaks anywhere. Not sure it will work for my purposes so I left the RAMBLR on the front. Guess I got caught up in your 38mm width report and had high hopes but this narrow of a tire doesn’t work on the gravel I ride. Thanks for your time.
Hi David, sorry to hear you experienced a major negative with the Gravelking. We cannot possibly try every wheel and tyre combination out there, but I hope that Panaracer takes notice. Thanks for your candid feedback.
The GK 35s are listed on Panaracers website as “TUBED” and only the 40 is listed as tubeless compatible. Is there a tubeless compatible 35 version… I like the looks of this tire but 42mm is a bit too wide for my frame.
JBG, their new site is missing information about the tubeless 35mm version of the Gravelking. I am running two pairs of the tubeless 35’s right now.
JOM- picked up a pair of the 40s and the 35s. The shop said they were both the tubeless version. The 40s had “TLC” designation on the sidewall but the 35s did not. The TLC designation is apparently Panaracers designation that it is the tubeless version. Just curious whether or not the 35s that you are running have the TLC designation like the 40s do? I did not see it in the pictures but you may have different ones now. The sidewall and bead appear to be very slightly different on the 35s that I have vs. the 40s. Thanks
SKR, my 35’s in the brown sidewall don’t have the TLC designation but I assure you, they are tubeless and were effortless to inflate, etc. The regular black sidewall version are the same as the brown ones I have. Unlike most people, I am fortunate to have received these tyres direct from Panaracer USA, so perhaps yours are marked differently?
JOM – thanks for the great review. After running the 40’s at DK and also your experience with the 35’s would you still run the 40’s at DK or the 35’s? I have been running Specialized Trigger Pro 38’s tubeless including DK200 and have had great luck with them. They measure out pretty much the same as your experience with the GK 35 but the GK would be much lighter. Have you ever ridden the Trigger Pro’s? If so, curious what your thoughts are on them vs the GK’s.
SKR, I haven’t ridden the Trigger Pro 38’s, but they are highly rated by a couple of friends of mine. Assuming I appear at DK 200 2017, I will be aboard the GK’s in 35mm. I think they are more than tough enough to deal with the first 100 miles, which are quite rocky.
Thanks. Had a feeling that was what you would say. If the 35’s measure out wider like a 38 and deliver the lighter weight should be more than sufficient for DK
Far from experienced here, but I was able to mount up 35mm’s to a set of Psimet wheels with just my joe blow pro. They have held like a champ and roll great on the midwest crushed limestone. Looking forward to running them at Barry Roubaix.
Which one is more comfortable for gravel roads that get more on the rocky end of the spectrum? I do levee riding in South Florida and sometimes I take a good beating riding on Clemente’s XPlor MSO 36 (23mm inner rim) when the rock tips grow from the ground. I do not race but would not like something super heavy either. I ride about 10-15 miles to get to the gravel part of the ride. The specified tire clearance for my Jamis Renegade is 40 mm. Would you recommend ; Maxxis Rambler 40mm, Gravel King 35mm or 40 mm? I really appreciate your answer.
Hey there,
I really like the Gravelking 35mm or 40mm – this was the tire I rode at last year’s Dirty Kanza 200 – there were plenty of rocky and chunky gravel roads in that part of Kansas. Depending on your rim, the 35mm may blow up to 38mm or higher. So, definitely consider that – it is one of the lighter options for sure.
Thank you so much for the prompt answer.
Hi JOM,
I got the Panaracer Gravelking SK 35mm (tubeless) as you recommended and it was a really good call. It is an excellent tire. It is very supple, light and rolls well on the road too. I was actually riding faster on gravel on these tires. It is shocking how much tires can make a difference in ride ride quality. It is probably one the best bang for your buck upgrades you can do on a bike. Kudos to Panaracer. I also use their Gravelking 28mm on my road specific set of wheel for when I do road only riding and it is also great. It’s supple, has excellent grip, and I never ever got a puncture.
BTW, the 35mm on my WTB 23mm (inner width) wheels measured out almost 39mm. (38.8mm).
Thanks for the feedback, glad the GK’s are working out.
You have to love the free tyre width upgrade courtesy of wide rim beds!
Based on the great reviews JOM’s included decided to give the GK SK’s a try. Have them in both 35mm and 40mm. The 35’s are on HED Belgium+ rims and measure out at 38mm. The 40’s are on my race wheels some Stans Avion and they measure out at 43mm. For what it’s worth, the Panaracer gravel team has told me they are getting the same results on theirs as well. With a wider rim both versions will most certainly measure out 2-3mm wider than stated width. Quite a few miles on both and they are great performers. They roll fast including on pavement sections, are nice and supple and have been a great tubeless performer.
Hey Jom still trying to get my Tamland 1 rig set up for Pony Express 120. I probably won’t be able to take 2 sets of tires with me since I am flying. A set for dry conditions and a set for wet.
I thought I had it down to 2 tire choices.
Gravel King SK 38 mm which are now listed as 40 mm but you said next year you would ride the 35 mm because they spin faster
Other choice of tire was Clement mso 40 mm tubeless.
Then I read articles of locals in Kansas using the Specialized Trigger Pro in 38 mm. I think some were sponsored by Specialized and that may have been a factor along with a couple of riders winning races there on them.
From reading above you like the Gravel Kings over the Maxis Rambler. If you were to pick an all around tire of the 4 would you still pick the Gravel kings for dry or wet conditions since you said they pack up some in wet conditions? Right now on my Tamland 1 I still have the stock tires Clement xplor mso 40 which aren’t tubeless ready. I was able to make the front tubeless but no luck with the back. Thanks for any input. Maybe a test ride on the Triggers should be in the works.
Panaracer no longer has the tires listed as 700×35 and 700×40 on their website. They are now 700×38 and 700×43, available in black and brown wall versions, with new product codes.
I already run the previous 700×35 (R) and 700×40 (F) tubeless on my gravel bike (Focus Mares Force 1) with Stans No Tubes ZTR Grail team wheels, and they measure up at 38mm and 43mm as per your review.
I just received a set of the newer 700×38 brownwall. I bought them for my All-City Nature Boy single speed. They are set up tubeless on DT Swiss R460 rims. With 35PSI they measure 39.5mm. I wondered if they were just the same tires but relabeled to reflect real world results, but now I wonder if they really are a bit wider than the outgoing 35 and 40.
I love these tires. That’s why I’m now running them on both of my gravel capable bikes. On the singlespeed I am replacing a set of Schwalbe G-One Allround 700×35 (also ran those tubeless). They are very comfortable and roll great on pavement and crushed limestone/hardpack (like Katy Trail), but don’t inspire much confidence for me on real gravel surfaces. The Gravelking SKs are king.
Dean,
I rode the new 38’s at Dirty Kanza 200 this year (brown side walls naturally). I echo your sentiments completely – they are my favorite gravel tyre.
BTW, I am rolling the new 650B x 1.9″ size for the first time tomorrow. Should be interesting!
Thanks for writing in.
Hey Jom, you didn’t happen to measure how wide they ended up being did you. The 1.9’s I mean. I have some WTB Byways and I need a hair narrower tire.
Cheers
Great review and comments too- wondering if you would pick the Gravel King or another tire for 50/50 riding pavement and gravel ?
The Gravelking would be a great choice for 50 / 50 pavement / gravel riding. It rolls quite well on pavement.
I run the Gravelking SK 700×38 (tubeless) on my All-City Nature Boy single-speed. I mostly ride it on pavement and it rolls pretty well, but love that I can take it off-road, e.g. to Katy Trail (crushed limestone/hardpack) or more technical (i.e. real) gravel roads.
I have also used the Schwalbe G-One Allround 700×35 (tubeless) on the same bike. I like it somewhat better for pavement (it’s a bit cushier and maybe rolls a little better) but it doesn’t inspire as much confidence when I hit more technical gravel.
The Gravelking SK with the brownwalls looks way cooler.
Hi JOM,
Do you happen to remember how well the Gravel Kings held air on the Mavic Allroads? The Mavics are built to UST design standards and the Gravel Kings are not rated as UST (they are however noted as being TLC – Tubeless Compatible). I mounted them without sealant just to see how well they would seat on a UST rim and they didn’t last ten minutes before having significant air loss. On the other hand, my Schwalbe G-One Allrounds definitely seem to marry better with UST.
Obviously sealant plays a key role in sealing the contact area between tire bead and rim and I’m sure the Gravel Kings will be fine once I complete the whole process with sealant. Guess I’m wondering if UST certified rims (like Mavic), which are designed to such a specific bead profile, sometimes have problems with tires (like the Gravel Kings) that are otherwise designed to be “tubeless compatible” or “tubeless ready.”
Andrew, like you, I have only dry mounted GK’s on the Mavic Allroads. I’ve suffered similar air loss with other rims and tyres, but the sealant along with a bit of relevant shaking about the place, got everything situated and the tyre perfectly sealed. If the air held for at least five minutes, you should be fine.
JOM,
Agreed. I’ve dry mounted the GK SK 35’s on the Mavic Ksyrium Pro Disc Allroads just to get the initial seating(pops), and the air ultimately dissipated after some time.
That said, after injecting sealant through the valve, I’ve had no issues with the sealant seeping through the sidewalls or rim/bead area unlike other tire/wheel combo I’ve had in the past. The tires sealed without any issues and maintains PSI… All by using a regular track pump!
Done with Schwalbe after two different 38 mm G-One Allaround tires blew off the rims, both mounted on American Classic 29″ Race wheels. I suspect broken beads. One was new out of the box and the other had 150 miles on it.
Based on JOM’s review I’ve ordered a pair of what I believe to be the older 35 mm version of the Gravelking SK this morning. I’m hoping to ride part of the Southern Cross route with them in the next week or two and will report back.
-Tim-
How do, I need a tubeless tyre for mainly roads, sometimes poorly maintained roads ~10% ish. Need to be 32-35mm wide. I’ve been using Mavic Yksion tubeless tyres and they’re too prone to cuts. Do the 32mm smooth Gravel Kings work setup tubeless?? Any other tyre choices?
Haven’t tried the 32mm GK’s, but I’ve been riding the WTB Exposure 32mm with good success. Need to post a review of that sometime soon… it is a true tubeless tyre.
Schwalbe G-One Allround 700×35 would be my pick. Tubeless ready, sets up easily, rolls well and handles light to moderate gravel like a champ. I used them on my single-speed before I switched to the Gravelking SK 38.
I didn’t have a good experience with the G-One, in my opinion the GK SK is a much better all-round tyre.
I wish Panaracer did a smooth tread 32-35mm tubeless tyre. The Bon Jon tyre is nice but too expensive.
Gaz, Panaracer does make a 32mm tyre that is smooth… which it isn’t designed to be a tubeless tyre, but I know of several riders who have set it up in that manner. Bob Cumming of the Panaracer’s gravel race team is one such guy.
Jom, would you consider that safe on 40mph+ downhills or just slow speed slogs. Thanks for the info. Really dug your tunes on the vids, proper goid vibe on them. Do you have a collection of them just to listen to? Sounds goid meditation music, love the rhythm.
Gaz, I’ve descended at 40+mph on the 700c x 35mm GK’s, which blow up to 38mm or bigger, depending on the rim. Not sure if I would do that on the 32’s though, I like a little more width beneath me on the gravel roads at speed.
For the tunes, I acquire copyright free music when I can and stash them away. That limits my choices but there is definitely a recurring theme with me 🙂
JOM,
For those that frequent this review and posts comments, Panaracer has updated their site in regards to tubeless compatibility.
It lists their recommended MAX inflation pressure, but I haven’t seen the minimum recommended pressure. It would be nice to know what they’ve tested the pressure ratings on in order to avoid the occasional burping if the PSI is too low as well as safety concerns with the tire popping off the bead.
https://www.panaracer.com/lineup/gravel.html
Ren, thanks for the heads up!
I just recently installed a pair of GravelKing SK 43C (tanwall) on my cross/gravel bike, specifically on DT Swiss XR1601 rims. It was an absolute breeze to set them up tubeless (aside a small dent I had in the rim caused by a hard hit on a curb with 37C tires with low pressure – the dent was causing airloss but sealed fine after 30 minutes or so.
It is the most supple road tire I have ever ridden and can be run at very low pressure which makes it super comfortable and very grippy. Mud is not really it’s friend tbh but gravel, hardpacked and broken tarmac are where it really shines as a tire. Before I was running Challenge GravelGrinders 37C which is not a bad tire but the Panaracer rolls a lot faster and is far more supple.
I am very happy I decided to try them out.
Excellent! The Gravelking Mud offers a solution if you are expecting mud along the way. You can see my review here – https://www.gravelcyclist.com/bicycle-tech/review-panaracer-gravelking-mud-tire/
Hey super late to the game here and read through all the comments, I saw another user ask about a tire being tubeless compatible or not. I am looking to purchase the 35 mm off your recommendation from this site (https://www.probikekit.ca/bicycle-tyres/panaracer-gravel-king-sk-clincher-mtb-tyre/11567319.html?variation=11567324) but I cannot see any markings on the tires that say tubeless. Are these the same as you tested?
Hey Peter, they look to be the same. Panaracer does a terrible job of indicating if their tyres are tubeless… or not. Enjoy them!
Hey Jom,
Thats great. I have also read the non SK ones are great tires and offer less rolling resistance. Since I do about 70% tarmac and 30% dirt roads would you think the non-SK model would be better?
Peter,
I ran the 700×28 GravelKings(non-SK) and tubed last year at the BWR. No flats, crashes, or issues(lucky). I’ve tested the 32SK tubed and 35SK tubeless at different PSI’s and I can definitely feel the rolling resistance between the GK file tread and GK SK’s.
Check out what Panaracer has to say about running tubeless on non-TLR GK’s here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkXahcORWjk&sns=em
It is unclear to me, are you advising that the Slightly-Knobbed version has more rolling resistance? I would expect the fully knobbed version to have significantly more drag as it is, err, fully knobbed. Isn’t it right? I’m looking at a pair of 32 SK’s that I would ride tubed, 70% tarmac, 30% smooth singletrack.
SK means semi-knobbed, but slightly knobbed is equally appropriate 🙂 On a very smooth paved road, you can hear the resistance, the howling of the tyres is a giveaway. This can be said of most gravel tyres. I have no way of measuring resistance, but the Panaracer GK SK is one of my favourites. I ride these tyres for gravel, not for pavement, which is where they truly shine. I haven’t ridden anything below a 35mm GK SK. Perhaps the 32mm file tread (non SK) may work better for you?
Personally, if I am riding 70% tarmac and 30% smooth single track, the Gravelking SK is not the tire I am looking for. I have a single-speed I use like that (mostly paved roads, some smooth offload and light gravel). For that I like the Schwalbe G-One Allround 35mm. It rolls really well on smooth surfaces and has just that little bit of tread for extra confidence when the adventure takes you off-road.
Earlier versions of the GK SK in some sizes were not officially marked to be tubeless ready with the “TLC” marking. I have ran the GK SK non TLC version in a 35 tubeless with zero issues. All of the new GK SK 35, 38 and 43mm are marked with the TLC designation and are tubeless ready. If ProBikeKit is selling the current version then the 35 should be TLC. I have run extensively the 35, 38 and 40 (now sold as 43)mm GK SK tubeless on both HED Belgium+ rims as well as on Stan’s AVION carbon wheels and they have been excellent. They have been fast rollers on tarmac, dirt and gravel and proven to be tough with predictable handling. I have ridden them in many different conditions including DK200 with great success. For me the 38mm has been pretty much the perfect all around size and it measures out as a 41mm on my Stan’s AVION wheels. With the wider rims the GK SK’s have been measuring out +/-3mm larger than their spec.
The GK file tread is also very nice. The 700x38mm is now also available as a designated tubeless ready tire. Would be great for your 70% tarmac 30% dirt road application.
The GK SK 35 and 40 are both tubeless ready. They were replaced last year with the 38 and 43, which reflect more closely the actual size of the 35 and 40. I have mounted and run all of these tubeless without issue on Stans and DT Swiss rims. To be clear, the 38 and 43 are the current versions. 35 and 38 are new old stock (or old new stock).
The 35 they currently sell measures 38mm on my wheels, the 38 measures 40 and the 43 measures 43. They vary in weight pretty much in portion to their width though I swear the sidewalls on the 35 FEEL noticeably thinner…. while the 38 and 43 seem the same.
Great review!
I now have some Clement LAS tires on a bike with fenders, in 700×33. They just barely fit. Trying to decide what size to go with. Seems like since they’re generally wider than listed, the 32s in the SK model should work well. (I’m trying to go as wide as possible without rubbing on the fenders.)
Oh, and these will be on some 2009 Neuvation R28 SL 4 wheels. They’re older alloy road rims, not positive about the width, but defenitely thinking they’re from well before the wide-rim craze.
I suggest you try Compass Tires; made by Panaracer but offeredin more sizes and in a file tread as well as the baby knobs. I use their 650B x 42 on my gravel/ randonneur because it works well on gravel and is fast on the road as well. Floats over the rough spots and the occasional SW FL sandy spots
Thanks Doug, Compass is on my list to check out. I’ve seen a few of their offerings first hand, they look super nice. I’ve really been wanting to check out some 650b x 42 alternatives, appreciate you chiming in with that info.
Hi! I jus swapped the Gravel Kings 32mm for s pair of 35mm and it took me forever. They were extremely difficult to remove and mount on the rim. Not getting them to set in (I was runking inner tubes) but simply get them on the rim. Any tips on that would be helpful, as I’m now worried about getting a flat tire on my early morning rides before work. I do not fancy showing up to work an hour late because of a flat bike tire hehe
Thanks in advance!
Ricardo
Ricardo, that may depend on your rim / wheel combination. I reviewed a pair of Hunt Carbon wheels earlier on the site, and every tyre, no matter the brand, fitted extremely tightly, which was a major issue. This is the first I’ve heard of anyone having problems with Gravel Kings, but there’s a first for everything!
I had quite a time mounting ” tubeless ” tires as well, and I resorted to mounting them on an old set of rims without the inner tubes to stretch overnight.
Thanks for the review Jom!
I’m going to buy a pair of 35mm SK’s for Gravel Worlds this year. I’m convinced these would be a great choice.
Warm Regards,
Marc
Definitely! I raced my first Gravel Worlds on the GK 35’s! Good luck!
I really liked the story about gravelking-sk.
I’m currently wearing on my ridley x-bow a pair of Clement LAS 33mm. these tires are very fast, fantastic.
but I’m looking for something more width. You speak of 35 and 40 mm, there is currently a 38 mm version of gravelking-sk. Here I have dirt roads, gravel, many loose stones. I also squeeze a bit on the asphalt. so I read, I’d drop the 40 mm, but do you think the 38 mm would be good for me? What do you say?
Felipe, this review was written before the 38mm Gravelking SK existed. I love the 38mm size, it is what I have used at two of my Dirty Kanza 200 races.
Jom, so, between 35 and 38, which one do you recommend? do you know the real width of 35 and 38?
maybe a mix, 35 in the front and 38 in the back, or the opposite?
Felipe, it depends on the rims, but the 35 and 38 generally increase by about two to three mm in width when mounted to a tubeless rim. I don’t mix tyres, I prefer the same size all around, but mixing may be to your liking!
Jom.
Thanks for the help, I’ll think about it.
I wanted more safety in deciding on the gravel, but I need to see if the clearance of my bike allows the 38. I also wanted a good performance on the asphalt.
So on a 23mm internal width rim like the Enve G23, the 38 mm Gravelking SK+ should be around 40mm wide? I’m having trouble finding a set around here to get in time for DK200 this year, wonder if the Panaracer Vendor display will have them for sale on Friday this week?
Hi Steve, yes, they measure close to 40mm. Follow the link in parentheses to the Panaracer USA website (http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=772629&pw=236325) – I think they’ve got them in stock… you could get expedited shipping? I don’t believe they’re selling samples at the Expo.
Thanks, sounds like the size I will want , jut need to find them. I don’t think anyone in Emporia sells Panaracer tires, to late for expedited shipping even so I’ll try to find a place between here and there to pick up on the way or try to buy them at the Expo – I called Panaracer and they said they sent a bunch of tires out there with the crew so they may be selling them (fingers crossed). If not, I’ll ride my Nano’s and hope for the best on the sidewalls.
I change the G One allraound 700 x 35 to Gravelking 700 x 38…. Huge diferent….Much much better…. True gravel tire the SK!!!!
JOM, thanks for this great review! I’m getting ready to ride a bikepacking route in arizona called The Fools Loop and I’m trying to find a tire for this route. Currently running Bontrager GR -1 700×40 and I really like them however I’m riding them in Pennsylvania on gravel, road, and single track. What would you recommend for riding gravel road, single track, washboard road, and some sandy spots in Arizona- the Gravel King SK, Maxxis Rambler, WTB Venture or WTB Riddler? I can fit a Gravel King SK 700×50 on my frame. Just feel like the terrain is wildly different then it is PA. Thanks in advance for your help .
Matt
Matt, the GK SK is my go-to tyre if I have no idea of what to expect. So, I think you know where I’m going with this one, considering I have yet to ride in Arizona 🙂
Good luck!
Thank you that’s all I needed to hear! My only concern with Gravel King SK self cleaning if it were to get muddy. Don’t want to get all clogged up.
GK SK’s are terrible in sticky mud… so, maybe the Resolute would work better. There is a trade off with everything…
JOM,
Based on your review, and other reviews too, I picked up a set of 700x35c GK SKs for my wife’s TREK hybrid. Her bike originally came with Bontrager H2s, and while the H2 is a good road tire with very low rolling resistance, it gets a bit squirrely when trying to take turns too sharply. The first time my wife rode on the new tires, she could immediately tell the difference; a lot more grip on the roads and asphalt trails when making those sharp turns. Based on multiple recorded speeds reached with her H2 tires, we were able to determine that the new GK SKs have about the same low rolling resistance as the H2s.
Installation was relatively easy and painless. Overall, my wife is thrilled with the way her bike handles now and she is looking forward to doing some gravel and light off-roading. At $35 per tire, it’s hard to beat this tire for price and performance. I highly recommend these tires!
Thanks Steve, love hearing feedback like this! Chapeau!