Panaracer Gravelking ZX Review: High-Speed Semi-Slick

Panaracer Gravelking ZX Review

“Panaracer has expanded its ever popular GRAVELKING line-up with the introduction of the GRAVELKING ZX, an all new gravel tire designed for riders chasing speed across mixed-surface gravel routes..” – Panaracer USA

“With modern gravel riding rarely sticking to one surface, moving from paved roads to loose descents and rocky climbs, there is a need for a tire that balances speed, grip and durability across varying surfaces. The GRAVELKING ZX meets this demand, delivering low rolling resistance alongside the grip and durability required when conditions become more demanding.

Panaracer Gravelking ZX Tire Review Video

Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew reviews the Panaracer Gravelking ZX tire, available in many options and widths, further details are in the video above.

Three-Zone Tread for Speed & Control

At the centre of the GRAVELKING ZX is a three-zone tread pattern, engineered to maximise speed while preserving confident handling across varied terrain.

This is achieved with a smooth centre tread that minimises rolling resistance and maintains momentum on tarmac and hard-packed gravel. The inner edge of the ZX uses a transitional tread that engages when braking and leaning into corners, maintaining grip and ensuring a predictable feel. On the outer edge, aggressive side lugs provide the traction needed for loose gravel corners, technical descents and rougher surfaces, giving riders the control required when terrain becomes more demanding.

Written Ride Experience of the Panaracer Gravelking ZX (or see video above)

I’m quite certain people watching the review video (see above) are going to draw a comparison between this new Gravelking ZX, and a long standing tyre / tire design by a company whose name may begin with S. You can draw your own conclusions, but I’ll stick to covering the merits of this new Panaracer model.

Mounted to the Reynold Black Label ATR wheelset whose rim measures 25mm internally, the Gravelking ZX measures 46mm, so expect it to grow a little wider paired to a wider rim.

This tyre / tire is very fast riding a straight line on hardpack, fine gravel, dirt, looser gravel terrain. and if you have the good skills, sand is no worries. I wouldn’t necessarily use the ZX for terrain where you’re crossing over to rock garden mountain bike territory, but the casing is good enough to deal with chunky gravel. Panaracer’s Tufftex means the sidewalls are more puncture resistant than older Gravelking models, but you’ll need to drop your pressure a little further if you’re looking for an equivalent feel, a more pliable feel, a more supple feel, to replicate the feel of the older Gravelking tires / tyres.

Once I tweaked the tyre pressure where I liked it for my body weight and riding style, I’m talking about 18 psi front and 21psi rear, I was very happy with the comfort and feel of the Panaracer ZX. There’s no feeling of underinflating and there’s enough pressure to avoid bottoming out the rim. Far too many riders have their tyres inflated far too high, be sure to check out my handy recommended tyre pressure chart.

Cornering traction is excellent, but I don’t know much work the middle zone of the tyre is really doing vs the side knobs. Maybe the middle zone is a little too small to make a difference? As with any gravel tyre, don’t lean too hard into a corner, it’s way too easy to lose the front wheel.

The weight of the ZX is decently competitive, I do wish it was a little lighter, but considering the lighter R version is being launched soon, I’m very keen to ride that tyre. There’s also a slightly heavier Plus version of the tyre launching soon. Air retention is excellent, the ZX’s barely lost any air when sitting around for five to seven days. Not trying to jinx myself for later, the ZX casing has shrugged off damage to the casing, and the ZX’s wear properties are very good.

The ZX’s tread pattern really surprised me with its fabulous all round speed, a property I would expect from an almost all slick tyre. The good news, the Panaracer Gravelking ZX is not a fast one trick pony. This is an excellent tyre worthy of your consideration with a ton of available options, including a little later, the gigundo 700c x 55mm size. Bonkers!