Panaracer Gravelking - The BEST tubeless Gravel tyre? FULL REVIEW 2021

Welcome to our fitting and review of the Panaracer Gravelking SK tubeless tyres.
At the start of the episode there is a 'Key Timings' list that allows you to skip successfully through the video
This episode documents the issues I have had with my previous WTB Resolute 42 tyres and also a strange problem with my tubeless valve when removing them.
We then move on to fitting the the tyres, which caused its own set of issues!
But just how awesome were these when out riding? Did they keep up with the demands of riding the terrain I threw at them?
Join us as we find out if these tyres deserve to be crowned 'King' of gravel tyres.

[@SeanArmentaPhoto]

i still don't understand why so many people add sealant before the tire is seated. mount the tire dry, get the bead seated. deflate the tire. remove the valve core. add sealant. put the valve core back in. inflate. no wasted sealant, no mess.

[@timeforbikes]

For me it's just the way I have been doing this since getting tubeless. Since this video I have improved my skill of doing this and it's become basically a mess free process. One thing I would say is that I mount the tyre on the rim that has been wetted with sealent as it can help the tyre to seat onto the rim if it's a mega tight fit. Also it gives a nice seal and any potential leaks can be sealed quickly and easily. All in all though each to their own, and you do make a good point. Thanks for commenting and happy cycling dude! 🙂👍

[@roha2317]

Small tip: inflate the tires first so it pops into place, undo it on one tiny spot with a tire lever, pour your sealant in there and then inflate again.

[@timeforbikes]

That sounds like great advice! Thanks for stopping by to comment. Take care and happy cycling! 🙂👍

[@theripper121]

Or just pull the valve core, put it in there and put the valve core back in. No mess.

[@robinfitton8078]

The great pleasure of the rubber pop when they seat on the rim. Nice overview, I have just bought a pair. I went for 38 on my 700C wheels. Thanks for the video.

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a nice comment. These tyres are still very much a favourite of mine, and yes that sealing ping is always very welcome. Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@markystew]

Your Klein is the star of this show! 😎

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks sir! Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@DaveMaddux]

I’m running 700x38s on my gravel bike. Probably the best all around tire there is for gravel, as the side ridges (not knobs) are very grippy in the dirt, but not squirrely on pavement. Definitely not a mud tire, but I wouldn’t run mud tires on my gravel bike anyway, as they would be too slow on pavement. I also had the same experience with difficulty getting them to seat on the rim. I’ve had plenty of experience mounting tubeless WTB and Maxxis tires with a normal pump with ease. A 100 psi compressor and removal of the valve cores was required to get the Panaracers to seat the first time. Such a great tire though, they are worth the extra trouble.

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for your input - much appreciated. I am glad its not just me finding the process all that easy. The way I put these on was not the best, but I have had success using this method before - these tyres are just a little harder than some as you quite rightly say. Like you I think they are worth the extra trouble! Thanks for commenting, take care and happy cycling!

[@robinfitton8078]

Same here, I think I can squeeze a 40 on my 700c but decided to go for 38's.

[@1UpKroeker]

​@@robinfitton8078what does your 38mm size width actually measure at ?

[@BikeLife154]

You should’ve pumped the tyres up with the valve core removed to allow a greater flow of air to go into the tyre. They would’ve seated much quicker if you had.

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for the comment! Always good to have a different point of view, I will try it next time. Take care and happy cycling!

[@maxposadskiy6542]

Тоже поставил в этом году на гравийный велосипед эти шины с шириной 43 мм на 28 дюймов. На грунте стало ехать гораздо комфортнее и устойивее, чем на 37 см. WTB Riddler, стоявших в стоке до этого. Могу рекомендовать!

[@chembleton]

good video, this will really help me. I'm about to replace my PR GK SK tyres this weekend, first time I'll have done it.

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for the nice comment! Best of luck replacing yours, I know it may seem daunting at first but it gets easier that's for sure. If you like this kind of stuff the make sure to like and subscribe - I would be really grateful. Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@photorockbar471]

Where I live the soil has a lot of clay. The deeper mtb treads seem to just hold more mud. They end up getting just as slippery and heavier

[@chrisphillips5630]

You do not want to use pliers because overtightening will deform the seal inside. seat the tire without the sealant then remove the core and add the sealant. Makes life a little easier.

[@timeforbikes]

Hi Chris, thanks for commenting. Normally I would not use pliers with the valves but these ones I am fairly sure we're in special offer for a reason when I brought them. The rubber on the valves were so hard the they were not making a seal. However the pliers really made the difference and enforced a seal. I really wanted to review the valves to warn people off them but felt I needed more experience before making an informed judgement. To some degree I feel using sealent to help lubricate the tyre tire and rim surfaces while undertaking installation is a massive help, however keeping the main bulk of the sealent out of the way until the rim is seated could well be a step in the right direction. Thanks for the advice about the sealent! Take care and happy cycling

[@chrisphillips5630]

@@timeforbikes what valves were they so I don't accidentally pick them up lol ? If the tire is problematic seating I have had great success with soapy water . Either way whatever method it worked for you. They are a faff at times but once installed I believe they are the way forward in terms of maintenance.

[@timeforbikes]

The valves were a massive disappointment for sure. Like you say it kind of comes down to what works for you when fitting, but that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate learning about different methods - in fact different opinions is one of the best things about posting stuff on KZbin. The whole install could have been better, that's for sure but my WTB Resolute's popped onto the rim perfectly using the same method as I used in this video. It's always a school day!!!! Thanks again Chris

[@pawel8365]

Something about brown-walled tires that look so good...

[@timeforbikes]

Totally agree! Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@adrivdw7093]

Nice review and a courageous first ride I guess :-)

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for the kind comments. This is a fantastic place for riding in Dorset and is a track I take quite often. A great place to test stuff out! Glad you enjoyed it - Take care and happy cycling :)

[@adrivdw7093]

@@timeforbikes I was more thinking mountainbike when I saw that terrain, so hats off for taking that on with your Gravel-Klein!

[@timeforbikes]

@@adrivdw7093 it is a bumpy ride but you probably saw tge worst of it. Riding around this coast line is a joy - even when the weather is far from perfect!

[@davidflaherty8592]

Nice Vid. How would you compare these to the Resolutes you removed. I currently have the Resolutes. Thanks.

[@timeforbikes]

@david flaherty Hi, thanks for your question. Two main things I would consider to decide this would be general performance for grip and puncture resistance. I felt that the Gravel King is better on a true gravel surface thank the resolute. But on a mixtures of different surfaces I would recommend the WTB. As for puncture resistance I think that the Gravel King just edges it. The WTB for me seemed to been fairly unreliable and I gave up with them after multiple bad punctures. So for me I would go Gravel King - but only if riding a true gravel type surface, they are fairly rubbish on damp/wet mud. Hope that helps - its not a perfect answer but it really does depend on your chosen riding with these tyres.

[@fisharefriends598]

I like them… I had 4 puncture in the first couple months…. Since then no puncture.. even on 100 mile off road routes

[@timeforbikes]

That's great to know. As you may have seen I have been in the wars following an unavoidable racing accident so I have not been testing them as much as it sounds you have. So your points are very much appreciated. I have had one puncture so far on them but I still very much like them. Thanks for commenting! Take care and happy cycling!

[@jimmyhor78]

That's highly effective sealant right there!

[@Paul_MuadDib_Atreides]

I`m riding on 700x38C. Excellent tires!

[@timeforbikes]

Still very much enjoying mine too. Happy cycling!

[@Epiqe]

Omg, good old butyl tubes. Or even latex tubes with sealant inside.

[@Kerry1986]

Do they have a direction to watch out for?

[@timeforbikes]

Hi, sorry for the late reply. I believe they do not have a directional arrow on the sidewall and hence could be mounted either way. I hope that helps. Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@alogomeztube]

Hi, thanks for the video. WTB vs Panaracer what are your comments about it. Which one would you recommend ?

[@timeforbikes]

Hi, thanks for your question. Two main things I would consider to decide this would be general performance for grip and puncture resistance. I felt that the Gravel King is better on a true gravel surface thank the resolute. But on a mixtures of different surfaces I would recommend the WTB. As for puncture resistance I think that the Graval King just edges it. The WTB for me seemed to been fairly unreliable and I gave up with them after multiple bad punctures. So for me I would go Gravel King - but only if riding a true gravel type surface, they are fairly rubbish on damp/wet mud. Hope that helps - its not a perfect answer but it really does depend on your chosen riding with these tyres.

[@pault477]

I do wish they would sell at 40mm tire. It’s either 38 or 43

[@timeforbikes]

I am always up for more choice. I find this with other tyres.

[@Xxiluv2snip3xX]

Are these sk or sk+? I’m looking for a gravel tire that is quite durable, I’ve heard they are not very puncture resistant

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for getting in touch. These are just SK, not the plus. I have found them to be fairly good, but if you see my other gravel tyre review for the Goodyear Ultimate tyres then you will see that I find those to be very good tyres - especially for durability. I have yet to puncture the Goodyear's. Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@stevesnailfish]

I'm having the same problem with a Resolute on the front of my gravel bike with loss of air and sealant problems....I also ride a mix of trails and gravel and it does seem to batter the hell out of any set of drop bar tyres.... I've had a set of 43c Gravelking SK's in stock for a while and will give them a go.....Just hope they stand up to my general rides

[@timeforbikes]

Hi, thanks for the comments, and it's good to see it's just not me and the issues with Resolute's. I found the Gravelking's much more successful for me and I hope that runs true for you. Make sure you comment to let me know how you go! Anyway, please like and subscribe, take care and happy cycling!

[@sujatmikowicaksono4685]

Hello sir i want to ask are this gravel king is good at on road? Im searching a good tire for commuting but when im going off road its also good, do this tire have low rolling resistance?

[@timeforbikes]

Hi, the simple answer without checking for data on rolling resistance is that the feel actually quite good. These are obviously wide tyres that are run at a lot less pressure than road tyres, so they will be slower. My WTB Resolute's were faster, but both can be run as tubeless and that helps. However, for such wide tyres I was happy with the performance on the road. Sorry I can not help much more but best of luck with your choice. Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@Reise_Welt]

Thanks

[@timeforbikes]

Glad you found it useful! Take care and happy cycling

[@skippyyoung7872]

Yes they are..

[@timeforbikes]

They are still going strong for me!

[@TheNetts]

Nice! I wonder if these tires fits well on hookless rims. Thanks

[@timeforbikes]

I must admit that I can not advise on that, however if you find the answer please share this with us. Take care and happy cycling!

[@TheNetts]

@@timeforbikes will do! thankyou.. you too enjoy the ride

[@gaza4543]

Panaracer don’t recommend it. As do not rene herse being made by panaracer.

[@drouleau]

@@gaza4543 I'm running 42mm Rene Herse Hurricane Ridge tires on a set of Stans CB7 Pro Grail wheels (which are hookless I believe) - the combo held up just fine for the Cedar City Belgian Waffle Ride (125+ miles) at around 27 psi front/30 psi rear.

[@theripper121]

Know this comment is late, but Im running hookless rims and using Gravelking SS's with no issue

[@Gerald-iz7mv]

Hi - need some help to select the right gravel tire. I currently have the Bontrager GR2 Team Issue Gravel Tire (700c 40mm) - but get flats all the time (even when i ride on the normal street - 1 week riding - flat - 4 flats on the back tire, 1 flat on the front tire in the last 4 weeks). I got the Tannus Armour Tire Inserts - but that doesnt fix the flat problem. Can you recomment me another gravel tire (high puncture resistance!)? which one has the best quality and prevents flats Vittoria, Continental or WTB or something else? My terrain: Road and also some Offroad (forrest with gravel and fine sand). I would say 60% road, 40% offroad.

[@timeforbikes]

Hi, so I am a relative newbie to gravel tyres myself, and have shared your frustration with flats. Only since building up my Klein as a gravel bike have I experimented. So far I have had WTB Resolute's (changed out due to continued bad luck with punctures) and now these gravel kings. So far the gravel kings have been more puncture resistant than the WTB Resolute's. I am not anywhere near my race weight and currently sit a little over 80kg. I feel that I get more punctures than my cycling buddies who are lighter that's for sure. I also find running the tyres a little higher in pressure helps with puncture resistance, it may be worth experimenting with that first. I was going to try tyre inserts next and if I do then I will report back. So from my limited experience I would say that the Gravel kings come out fairy good for resistance. Since I made this review I have only punctured once on the rear, that's all. I hope that helps?

[@photorockbar471]

@@timeforbikes tires with thin tread will always puncture easier than thick tread. My MTB when using thick knobs rarely gets flats compared to my gravel tires.

[@zoroasteriadog]

i had the same problem with the resolutes as well.... doesnt seal and keeps leaking

[@timeforbikes]

If only the resolutes would be a little more robust then they would be good tyres, just hopeless (and expensive) to carry on with. Thanks for commenting, take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@zoroasteriadog]

@@timeforbikes Yup. Very good tires otherwise, and with excellent traction.

[@fentuz]

Why would you ride in muddy condition with so much pressure in a 46-584? I’m 10lighter and ride 50-584 at 30front and 35rear with inner tube. Grip is good on mud with conti race king rear and crossking front I rode with resolute 42-584 similarly but in deep winter mud and wet rocky hill it slipped too much. Higher pressure would make it worse.

[@timeforbikes]

Hi fentuz, thanks for the comment. I have been riding with tubeless gravel tyres only for a little time now but I have found out there seems to be a bit of a trade off between pressure and punctures. I am sure other find this to some degree as well. When I ride at lower pressures on my local terrain I can smash my rims quite easily (I am looking at getting crushcore style inserts to help combat this). To get to some of my favourite areas I can end up riding quite a way on the road as well. So for me I used that experience and trialled it on these tyres. As I say in the review these tyres did not grip well in really muddy conditions and to that end some of that could be down to pressure, but I expect the majority of the issue is more likely due to the grip pattern and depth - I would need to do more testing to be sure of this though. My resolute's were good all rounders, but maybe being a heavier rider did not go down well with puncture resistance. I found a higher pressure in the resolute's fine rocky surfaces if I am honest - maybe a rider weight difference causes me to find grip better at a pressure that a lighter rider. I always ride my cyclocross bike with lower pressures, but those tyres and terrain conditions can not really be compared too much to gravel conditions and tyres. Anyway, its great to hear other tips and opinions so thanks for spending the time to get involved. Take care and happy cycling!

[@fentuz]

@@timeforbikes it seems that like me, you ride beginner/intermediate mtb trial so I say you should move to a XC mtb tyre as I did. I got punctures over the winter when going through dry bramble or when farmer cut their spiky hedge.

[@timeforbikes]

I think most of our problem is that there are not all that many true gravel routes around here so I always end up doing some light MTBing. Mind you I expect that's the case for most of us in the UK. These are still far better than the Resolute's were for me at this point for lack of punctures though.

[@fentuz]

@@timeforbikes yes, Bridlepath and byways.

[@pault477]

Dang -Pretty close to the edge.

[@timeforbikes]

It is a bit tight there but not all that technical. Such good riding around Portland in Dorset!

[@gaza4543]

You need to get panaracer gk ext tiers if you want mud tyres

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for the recommendation, I am sure others would like to know as well. Take care and happy cycling!

[@gaza4543]

@@timeforbikes not sure if there available in 650 though. The AC and ext at based off the CX range. The ext is a far more robust tier ie not as supple. The AC was formally known as the mud and it has the same casing as the gk slicks none plus version

[@timeforbikes]

@@gaza4543 brilliant, I will check these out some time soon! Great info.. 🙂👍. Thanks again. Next tyre review will be another set of gravel tyres that are sat in an unopened box right now as I still have a injury sustained in a race in June. Hopefully will get that sorted in a few weeks and get another video out.its been a while 😕

[@pault477]

Why put in the sealant after you seat it?

[@timeforbikes]

I find it a nice clean way to do it. I don't use the option of putting it in through the valve, and I also make sure that I the rim /tyre interphase has sealent upon it to ensure a good seal. I suppose it what works with you. Just want to say thanks for the comments, take care and happy cycling! Make sure you subscribe and like the video! 🙂👍

[@pault477]

@@timeforbikes I ordered a Bontager flash pump that should help. Apparently you can seat it quite well without adding sealant. Just seems cleaner that way.

[@timeforbikes]

@@pault477 I love people recommending products here and other may well need that info as well. Thanks you. With a low volume pump like mine you need all the help you can get, the sealant on the rim itself seem to lubricate the tyre and also it's in the perfect place to help seal the tyre on the rim - if needed. Once again thanks for the comments! 🙂👍

[@Ed-lz4jv]

dude, you need an air compresser for tubeless installs. not that much $$

[@timeforbikes]

Welcome to the channel Ed. I must have read your mind. Three weeks ago I got a 50l 2.5hp compressor and it's awesome! Life is so much easier now. Thanks for commenting! Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@Ed-lz4jv]

@@timeforbikes great, I am actually a road rider, just bought my 1st gravel bike (Trek ALR5 😁) have watched so many videos in the panaracers, I am sold I think with the SK, I live in desert here in Arizona , guy I know rides these here, Also I am learning all the tricks to doing tubeless...Nice video

[@timeforbikes]

So glad you have found this useful. I started out on MTB'swhen I was young, have been racing road since about 2011 but I think that's it for me following my crash 6 months ago. Love the road but finding my way into gravel has been a welcome break and a little nostalgic if I am honest back to the old MTB days. However tyre choice was starting to annoy me as it's not a cheap thing to get wrong. I have another gravel tyre review on here so take a look - they are also awesome tyres as well but generally the Panaracers are well thought of it would seem. Anyway - Take care and happy cycling 👍

[@disidente28]

Hookless compatible?

[@timeforbikes]

Just checking this out for you.......

[@disidente28]

@@timeforbikes ❤❤

[@timeforbikes]

@@disidente28 Well, I have not been able to get an answer back one way or the other, and as I do not have a hookless rim I could not tell you. My gut feeling is that these are probably not - however it may be worth asking you rim manufacturer and see what they recommend. It may also be worth going to ask a bike shop who stocks the tyre, or asking this question to Pro Bike Kit online as they stock this tyre. Sorry that on this occasion I can not answer your question. Take care and happy cycling!

[@disidente28]

@@timeforbikes thanks anyway, greetings from Colombia!!!

[@timeforbikes]

@@disidente28 wow, Colombia! Always amazing to know where the viewers are located around the world. Make sure you subscribe and hit the bell icon to keep up to date with us. I have been waiting to do a few more reviews like this but due to a cycling accident back in June I have not been allowed off road, and it has also slowed up the content creation a fair bit. Gravel stuff to return shortly hopefully! Take carey friend :)