CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40

The Panaracer GravelKing SS (Semi-Slick) TLC is a gravel bike tire positioned right in between the nearly-slick GravelKing and the GravelKing SK that's made for rougher conditions. The GravelKing SS features a tread pattern that we see more often on gravel bike tires: a nearly-slick center tread and bigger knobs (GravelKing SK-like) toward the edge of the tire.

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From a construction standpoint, the TLC (Tubeless-Compatible) versions of the GravelKing (read our review), GravelKing SK (read our review), and GravelKing SS are identical as they all use the same casing and compound. The TLC casing is made from Panaracer's "AX-Alpha Cord" that, together with an extra layer of puncture-resistant material that runs from bead to bead, makes this an "Anti-Flat Casing". The compound is Panaracer's ZSG (Zero Slip Grip) compound that's used on many other Panaracer tires.

Just like many other Panaracer tires, the GravelKing SS is available in a large range of sizes that range from 32-622 up to the 43-622 and 48-584 sizes. We've tested the TLC version as it appears to be the most popular because of its versatility. The TLC version gives you the choice to use it with an inner tube or in a tubeless set up with sealant.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Panaracer
Model	GravelKing SS 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-B
TPI	-
Compound	ZSG
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	40-622
Specified Weight	410 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 TLC 40 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	410 grams
Measured Weight	405 grams
Measured Width Casing	36 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	36 mm
Measured Height	33 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	0.2 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	1.7 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	2.80 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 barHigh Air Pressure (54 psi / 3.7 bar)	Members Only	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 (45 psi / 3.1 bar)	Members Only	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 (36 psi / 2.6 bar)	19.2 Watts CRR: 0.00576	23.0 Watts CRR: 0.00689
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 (27 psi / 1.9 bar)	22.5 Watts CRR: 0.00674	27.5 Watts CRR: 0.00824
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

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	45 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	2.80 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	1.7 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

The Panaracer GravelKing SS performs excellent in our tests. In the rolling resistance tests, it shows good performance and comes in right between the very fast GravelKing and still quite fast GravelKing SK. The real strength of the GravelKing SS can be found in the puncture resistance tests of the tread as it scores much better here mainly because of the increased thickness of the tread.

If you've suffered cuts, punctures, or lack of durability with the regular GravelKing, we highly recommend you to try the GravelKing SS as it's a more solid gravel bike tire that also should last a bit longer. The increased strength and durability comes at the cost of a few watts of rolling resistance and an extra ~70 grams per tire increase in rotational weight.

If you like to compare the Panaracer GravelKing, GravelKing SS, and GravelKing side by side, try our comparison section: Panaracer GravelKing vs GravelKing SS vs GravelKing SK.

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RATING: 4.3 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Highly Recommended

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