{"id":164619,"date":"2025-02-25T17:02:04","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T17:02:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/25\/review-panaracer-gravelking-sk-gravel-bike-tires\/"},"modified":"2025-02-25T17:02:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T17:02:04","slug":"review-panaracer-gravelking-sk-gravel-bike-tires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/25\/review-panaracer-gravelking-sk-gravel-bike-tires\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Panaracer Gravelking SK+ Gravel Bike Tires"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-element=\"content\">\n<p>While prepping our bikes for a few days of unknown adventures in the desert, with the potential for fully loaded bikepacking, I knew the tires needed to be up for anything.<\/p>\n<p>But I didn\u2019t want anything too heavy, or too knobby, because I knew we\u2019d have a lot of smooth gravel miles to cover. Those constraints (opportunities?) led me to the Panaracer Gravelking SK+, a tire that checked all the boxes and then some. Details below, but here are 5 reasons I\u2019d recommend it for any adventure:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lots of size options<\/li>\n<li>Super tough puncture layer<\/li>\n<li>Fast rolling yet grippy<\/li>\n<li>Fits hooked &amp; hookless rims<\/li>\n<li>Reasonable prices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gravelking-specs-amp-actual-weights\">Gravelking Specs &amp; Actual Weights<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-11.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>First, here\u2019s what you need to know about Panaracer\u2019s tire nomenclature. All of their gravel tires are the Gravelking, and there are five tread options:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Slick \u2013 micro dots and sipes, basically a slick with some texture<\/li>\n<li>SS \u2013 semi-slick with mild dots leading to three rows of cornering ridges<\/li>\n<li>SK \u2013 semi-knob (tested) with square center knobs and pronounced cornering ridges<\/li>\n<li>X1 \u2013 tightly-packed center knob section with transition &amp; cornering knobs<\/li>\n<li>EXT \u2013 basically an MTB tread with widely spaced transition &amp; cornering knobs for mud clearance <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Slick, SS, SK, and X1 are all designed to roll very fast and smooth, just pick the one that matches your terrain. They say the X1 is the fastest rolling and covers the widest terrain range, but I like the SK\u2019s smaller center section, and word on the street is it\u2019s more aerodynamic. Weights are comparable, and the SK comes in more sizes (for now\u2026).<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"908275\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3.webp\" alt=\"panaracer gravelking sk-plus gravel bike tire details.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377720\" style=\"--dominant-color: #908275; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"908275\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3.webp\" alt=\"panaracer gravelking sk-plus gravel bike tire details.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377720\" style=\"--dominant-color: #908275; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-3-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>I also think the small blocked center tread section has more grip on the typical dust-and-scree-over-hardpack surfaces typically found in the desert. And I just like their looks better. Fashion choice FTW.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"6e6f68\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5.webp\" alt=\"panaracer gravelking sk-plus gravel bike tire with a cactus thorn in it.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377722\" style=\"--dominant-color: #6e6f68; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"6e6f68\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5.webp\" alt=\"panaracer gravelking sk-plus gravel bike tire with a cactus thorn in it.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377722\" style=\"--dominant-color: #6e6f68; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-5-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nice try, thorn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The \u201c+\u201d means you get an extra layer of protection. Their standard tires have a single bead-to-bead puncture using TuffTex. The \u201c+\u201d versions have a second bead-to-bead layer, which is new since March 2024.<\/p>\n<p>TuffTex is the evolution of Protite (which is what my tires have, I started testing them in fall 2023). TuffTex is a similar material, but a new manufacturing and application process makes it more supple. Protite had one bead-to-bead layer with a second layer only under the tread cap, so the TuffTex versions also have better overall protection, too.<\/p>\n<p> If you buy new tires now, TuffTex is what you\u2019ll get, and that\u2019s a good thing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"7b7967\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4.webp\" alt=\"panaracer gravelking sk-plus gravel bike tire details.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377721\" style=\"--dominant-color: #7b7967; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"7b7967\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4.webp\" alt=\"panaracer gravelking sk-plus gravel bike tire details.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377721\" style=\"--dominant-color: #7b7967; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-4-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>The other upgrades since the March 2024 Gravelking reboot include:<\/p>\n<p><strong>ZSG Tread Compound<\/strong><br \/>Zero Slip Grip compound has better, more consistent grip from freezing to too-hot-to-ride temps. And they say it\u2019s just as durable. So, the tires will grip great no matter what time of year you\u2019re riding.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Beadlock<\/strong><br \/>Redsigned bead designed to fit better on any tubeless-read rim design (hooked or hookless), and often seat with only a floor pump.<\/p>\n<p>My test tires have been great, and the new ones available now claim to be better in every way.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"5d5f65\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3.webp\" alt=\"actual weights on scale for panaracer gravelking sk+ first generation gravel tires.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377716\" style=\"--dominant-color: #5d5f65; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3.webp 1600w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"5d5f65\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3.webp\" alt=\"actual weights on scale for panaracer gravelking sk+ first generation gravel tires.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377716\" style=\"--dominant-color: #5d5f65; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3.webp 1600w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-actual-weights-3-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>We tested both standard and brown wall tires, which are functionally the same, but the extra rubber on the black ones does add weight.<\/p>\n<p>Panaracer doesn\u2019t publish all of the weights for all of their tires, so I can\u2019t compare to spec, but mine came in at:<\/p>\n<p>If brown looks good on your bike, I\u2019d go with that unless you want that extra rubber for\u2026 <em>wait for it\u2026<\/em> protection.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gravelking-sk-ride-review\">Gravelking SK+ Ride Review<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"677385\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1350\" height=\"1800\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1.webp\" alt=\"gravel bike with panaracer gravelking sk-plus tires next to a cactus.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377718\" style=\"--dominant-color: #677385; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1.webp 1350w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1-90x120.webp 90w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1-1152x1536.webp 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"677385\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1350\" height=\"1800\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1.webp\" alt=\"gravel bike with panaracer gravelking sk-plus tires next to a cactus.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377718\" style=\"--dominant-color: #677385; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1.webp 1350w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1-90x120.webp 90w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-1-1152x1536.webp 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>We ended up doing day rides and car camping rather than loaded bikepacking, so there\u2019s no loaded touring test to speak of.<\/p>\n<p>However, we did use the opportunity of lighter, unburdened bikes to ride through chunkier sections just to test them out:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"96897d\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9.webp\" alt=\"riding the panaracer gravelking sk-plus tires in the desert.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377725\" style=\"--dominant-color: #96897d; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"96897d\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9.webp\" alt=\"riding the panaracer gravelking sk-plus tires in the desert.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377725\" style=\"--dominant-color: #96897d; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-9-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>With the extra volume a 50mm tire offers, we ran fairly low pressures to smooth things out. The extra protection, especially with the new TuffTex models, gives the sidewalls plenty of support at lower pressure, too. We didn\u2019t notice any squirming.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"9c8f81\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6.webp\" alt=\"riding the panaracer gravelking sk-plus tires in the desert.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377723\" style=\"--dominant-color: #9c8f81; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"9c8f81\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6.webp\" alt=\"riding the panaracer gravelking sk-plus tires in the desert.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377723\" style=\"--dominant-color: #9c8f81; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-6-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>And on mundane sections with the usual weathered surface chatter, they\u2019re sublime.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"757665\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2256\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3.webp\" alt=\"fork to tire clearance with 50mm panaracer gravelking sk plus tires.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377717\" style=\"--dominant-color: #757665; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3.webp 2256w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-297x158.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-1536x817.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-120x64.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-768x409.webp 768w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-2048x1089.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2256px) 100vw, 2256px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"757665\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2256\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3.webp\" alt=\"fork to tire clearance with 50mm panaracer gravelking sk plus tires.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377717\" style=\"--dominant-color: #757665; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3.webp 2256w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-297x158.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-1536x817.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-120x64.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-768x409.webp 768w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-fork-clearance-3-2048x1089.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2256px) 100vw, 2256px\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>I have a few caveats for this size and this tire in particular, though:<\/p>\n<p><strong>They pack up in wet clay.<\/strong><br \/>The tight tread blocks help them roll fast, but they don\u2019t let go of thick southeastern mud very well. If you routinely ride in thick or sticky mud, the X1 might be the better choice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>50mm is big<\/strong><br \/>While they cleared the Niner RLT RDO just fine, we noticed a little frame rub on the Kona Libre DL. Actually, we didn\u2019t really notice it while riding, but there\u2019s a bit of wear on the paint inside the chainstays, which could have come from stuff stuck to the tire or occasional rubbing during hard cornering. Regardless, make sure you have at least 6mm clearance on both sides of the tire just to be safe.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not just the tire width, it\u2019s also the height. Wider tires are also taller, so make sure it\u2019ll clear your fork\u2019s crown under full compression if running a suspension fork. I\u2019d recommend at least 1cm of clearance here.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"878076\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8.webp\" alt=\"riding the panaracer gravelking sk-plus tires in the desert.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377724\" style=\"--dominant-color: #878076; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-dominant-color=\"878076\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8.webp\" alt=\"riding the panaracer gravelking sk-plus tires in the desert.\" class=\"lazyload not-transparent wp-image-377724\" style=\"--dominant-color: #878076; object-fit:full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8.webp 1800w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8-297x223.webp 297w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8-120x90.webp 120w, https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-plus-50mm-gravel-tire-review-8-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>There\u2019s a reason Gravelkings are so popular. I\u2019m still running mine on the Niner and have been very happy with them on a range of surface types. They also hold air well, and the tread\u2019s holding up well, too.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s always a challenge doing long-term reviews, because a lot of brands introduce new versions annually. Panaracer certainly has a longer lifecycle than this, which is good, we just happened to fall into a rare update schedule for them. Regardless, I\u2019d recommend this tire as a general purpose adventure tire \u2013 trustworthy for getting into the wild without giving up ride quality and performance.<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.panaracerusa.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PanaracerUSA.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/panaracer-gravelking-sk-tire-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While prepping our bikes for a few days of unknown adventures in the desert, with the potential for fully loaded bikepacking, I knew the tires needed to be up for anything. But I didn\u2019t want anything too heavy, or too knobby, because I knew we\u2019d have a lot of smooth gravel miles to cover. Those [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":164620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6804],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-164619","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=164619"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164619\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/164620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=164619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=164619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=164619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}