This all-new Panaracer Gravel King ZX tire was built to maximize speed for intense gravel racing. Developed to go as fast as possible on the straights with essentially the low-rolling resistance of a road slick, it then still offers predictable handling as you lean into loose corners thanks to a smooth transition to grippy shoulder knobs. Panaracer explains that the variability of most modern gravel riding was the driver behind their development of the all-new tread. We like to ride as much as possible on quiet gravel roads, but often spend lots of time on hardpack dirt and classic tarmac, too. That makes full knobby treads overkill for much of the ride, slowing you down and making you work harder.
My first impressions suggest this might just be the tire to make me reconsider a good semi-slick for everyday groad riding and the occasional gravel race. I’ve only just got a set of the new tires in to test, but my first rides have already been really positive.
All-new Panaracer GravelKing ZX smart semi-slick gravel tire
Panaracer describes the new semi-slick GravelKing ZX as their “fastest-ever one-tire solution for mixed terrain”, outperforming the already fast (and most aero) GravelKing X1 introduced two years ago. That tire really boosted the overall performance of Panaracer’s gravel tires with more supple construction, a new fast but grippy rubber compound, better tubeless fit with wider rims and even wider tire sizes, and three levels of protection to choose from.
And now, the new GravelKing ZX takes it a step further with a faster-rolling tread design that doesn’t sacrifice cornering grip.
Tech details
- all-new do-it-all semi-slick gravel tread design
- same sticky ZSG Gravel single compound rubber as debuted on the X1
- TuffTex “high thread count” casing backed with woven puncture protection
- BeadLock tubeless-ready bead compatible with hooked & hookless rims
- 700c x 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm & 55mm
- three protection levels, all with the same rubber:
– ZX is the best-selling all-rounder with bead-to-bead puncture protection
– ZX+ adds dual bead-to-bead TuffTex for extra protection against the sharpest gravel
– ZX R is the lightest race version, with TuffTex protection only under the tread
- claimed ZX weights of 560g (45mm) & 640g (50mm)
- 530g actual weight GravelKing ZX 700c x 45mm
- claimed ZX+ weights of 600g (45mm) & 690g (50mm)
- claimed ZX R weights of 510g (45mm) & 600g (50mm)
What makes the ZX semi-slick tread unique?
The all-new ZX features a special ‘3-zone’ tread design with a slick center, a transition zone with small relief arrows, and two rows of progressively taller shoulder knobs that taper smoothly into the center of the tire. That sounds like a pretty normal description of a semi-slick design. But a closer look reveals small steps from one zone to the next really make this tire handle much better than I had anticipated over variable hard and loose road surfaces.
First Riding Impressions
While I’m sometimes hesitant of the typical on/off nature of a lot of semi-slick designs, my first rides on the new GravelKing ZX suggest this could be a great all-rounder. Panaracer doesn’t want gravel riders to feel the need to swap tires back and forth to get the best performance for each ride. And the ZX looks like it could be a solid compromise, mixing road tire speed and gravel tire cornering grip.
What seems to me to make the tire work well in my opinion is the fact that the center slick section is raised by ~2mm, which is then matched by the height of the shoulder knobs. The small transition zone is then only slightly lower. That makes for a smooth curved profile across the top of all of the tread from shoulder to shoulder, which makes for a smooth feel as you lean the tire over and find grip in the corners.
Many semi-slicks don’t make the transition so smoothly, cornering from road to hardpack dirt to gravel. And you can truly feel the difference, with the GravelKing ZX being really confident, even in loose gravel.
Panaracer GravelKing ZX – Pricing, options & availability
The all-new Panaracer GravelKing ZX is available in 700c only, in five sizes from 35-55mm, and in all-black or with a natural tan sidewall. It comes in three different performance/casing suppleness levels. The standard ZX, like I’ve been riding, will sell for $65 / 60€ per tire, and is the first to be available. You can already get 45 & 50mm GravelKing ZX tires today, with 40 & 55mm versions coming in July and 35mm by September 2026.
The next tier ZX+ tires are a bit more at $70 / 75€ a piece, and the top ZX R spec will sell for $80 / curiously also 75€. These ZX+ & ZX R tires will first be available in May in 45 & 50mm widths, then 40 & 55mm by August, and lastly the 35mm versions later in October 2026.
Panaracer.com
