CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing R 40
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 18.9 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 40 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 60 Points
- Conclusion: 3.5 / 5 Recommended
- Comments
- Panaracer GravelKing R 40
(100% is best)
![Panaracer GravelKing R 40 Panaracer GravelKing R 40 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/panaracer-gravel-king-r-1.jpg)
Panaracer recently updated the GravelKing, which is now available in three different casing versions. The GravelKing R we have on test today has the fastest and lightest casing construction, made for gravel bikers looking for all-out performance. Also available is the "standard" casing, which is the most versatile, and a + (Plus) casing, which comes with additional protection.
All casing constructions are updated with a special TuffTex layer developed by Panaracer that adds protection and better sealing capabilities. The beads have been updated with a unique BeadLock bead that makes it much easier to inflate the tire even when compressed air is not available. This is pretty much a tubeless-ready 2.0 construction, as while the original GravelKings were available in a tubeless-ready casing, sealing and inflating weren't always that easy.
The compound also sees an update. The updated GravelKings now come with a new "ZSG Gravel" compound, a variation of Panaracer's ZSG compound, which we find on many of their high-end tires. The previous editions of the GravelKings could have been better performers in our wet grip test, and we always thought the compound could use improvement in that regard.
We already have tests of the new GravelKing X1 in both the R (read our review) and "standard" (read our review) casings available on our website. With today's test of the slick GravelKing R, we should get a very good look at Panaracer's new GravelKing lineup. We also tested the original GravelKing TLC (read our review) in the 40-622 size back in 2020, and when combining these four tests, we'll get an idea of how the new generation compares to the old TLC generation.
Manufacturer Specifications
Manufacturer Specs | |
---|---|
Brand | Panaracer |
Model | GravelKing R |
Year | 2024 |
Supplied By | Bought in store |
New or Used | New |
Mileage | 0 km |
Price Range | High |
Buy At | |
Manufacturer part number | RF740-GK-R-SX2 |
TPI | - |
Compound | ZSG Gravel |
Bead | Folding |
ETRTO | 40-622 |
Specified Weight | 0 grams |
Max Air Pressure (psi) | 60 |
Made In | Members Only |
Available Sizes |
28-622 (700x28c) 30-622 (700x30c) 35-622 (700x35c) 40-622 (700x40c) |
Panaracer GravelKing R 40 Test Results
![Panaracer GravelKing R 40 Panaracer GravelKing R 40 mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/panaracer-gravel-king-r-3.jpg)
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements | |
---|---|
Specified Weight | 0 grams |
Measured Weight | 369 grams |
Measured Width Casing | 39 mm (un-round) |
Measured Width Tread | 38 mm |
Measured Height | 36 mm (un-round) |
Measured Knob Height Center | 0.2 mm |
Measured Knob Height Edge | 0.2 mm |
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs) | 2.40 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) |
Measured Width | 39 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 barHigh Air Pressure (50 psi / 3.4 bar) |
Members 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 barMedium Air Pressure (42 psi / 2.9 bar) |
Members 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 barLow Air Pressure (33 psi / 2.3 bar) |
18.9 Watts CRR: 0.00567 |
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 barExtra Low Air Pressure (25 psi / 1.7 bar) |
21.2 Watts CRR: 0.00635 |
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 R 40 Panaracer GravelKing R 40 mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/panaracer-gravel-king-r-2.jpg)
Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
---|---|
Total Puncture Score Tread | 40 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 | 2.40 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
![Panaracer GravelKing R Panaracer GravelKing R road bike tire on a grip test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/panaracer-gravel-king-r-4.jpg)
Static Grip Test Results | |
---|---|
Wet Grip Average | 60 Points |
Wet Grip Center | Members Only |
Wet Grip Edge | Members Only |
Measured Knob Height Center | 0.2 mm |
Measured Knob Height Edge | 0.2 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 R 40
(100% is fastest - lightest - highest - strongest)
With the GravelKing R test, we now have good data to compare the old GravelKing TLC generation to the new R and "standard" GravelKing casings. We're surprised the GravelKing R is heavier and rolls slower but offers better puncture protection than the original GravelKing TLC (read our review). Because of the separation into three casings options, we must admit that we expected an improvement in the rolling resistance tests for at least the lightest R casing.
In the grip tests, we also see nearly the same scores as we're used to seeing from the old generation. The main problem for the GravelKing in this test is that the file tread isn't the best option for hard surfaces, as it greatly reduces the contact patch, and grip will always be limited. The new GravelKing X1 did much better here, at least thanks to its more sturdy tread pattern.
Our conclusion is again that the new GravelKings are mainly an improvement in user-friendliness. Setting these up tubeless is much easier, and their sealing capabilities are much better, thanks to the new TuffTex layer and BeadLock beads.
RATING:
3.5
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Recommended