Japanese tyre manufacturer Panaracer is expanding its GravelKing series with the ZX, a tyre for fast gravel riding on mixed surfaces. According to the manufacturer, the model is designed to combine speed on tarmac and firm surfaces with sufficient traction on loose gravel and technical passages. Modern gravel routes often alternate between tarmac sections, gravel tracks and rocky climbs. The GravelKing ZX was developed to meet these requirements without changing tyres.
Three-zone profile for different surfaces
The tread design of the GravelKing ZX is divided into three areas. The smooth centre zone minimises rolling resistance on asphalt and hard-packed gravel. When braking and leaning, transition lugs on the inner edge ensure predictable handling. Aggressive side lugs on the outer edge provide traction in loose gravel bends, on technical descents and rough terrain. This distribution is intended to combine speed on fast passages with control on demanding sections.
The tyre was developed for terrain typical of gravel racing and endurance riding. Efficiency on smooth surfaces remains important, while at the same time grip must be available for more difficult conditions. Panaracer cites several well-known gravel events as areas of use: the UCI Gravel World Series, Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego, Mid South Gravel, Unbound Gravel, The Traka, Sea Otter Europe, Dirty Reiver and Gralloch. These races show the range of surfaces that gravel tyres have to cope with.
ZSG gravel compound and protection technologies
The GravelKing ZX uses a new rubber compound called ZSG Gravel Compound. Panaracer relies on a single-compound formulation to ensure consistent riding characteristics and durability. TuffTex technology is designed to reduce damage caused by sharp-edged stones. BeadLock technology simplifies mounting and stabilises the bead at low pressures. The development process involved six separate form iterations before the final design was finalised. The engineers refined the tread shape, grip characteristics and ride feel.
"We are excited to introduce the GravelKing ZX as the next evolution of our GravelKing range. Designed for today's mixed-surface riding, it delivers race-ready speed along with the grip and durability riders need in unpredictable conditions." (Jeff Zell, Global Go to Guy at Panaracer)
Three equipment variants with different weights
The GravelKing ZX is available in three versions. The standard ZX version weighs 560 g in 45 mm width and 640 g in 50 mm width. The ZX+ version weighs 600 g in 45 mm and 690 g in 50 mm. The lightest version, the ZX R, weighs 510 g in 45 mm and 600 g in 50 mm. All models are available in the colour combinations black/black and black/brown.
The prices vary according to the equipment.
The ZX Standard costs €59.99 or €64.99. The top model ZX R costs €74.99.
Staggered market launch until October 2026
The GravelKing ZX comes in 700c size with widths between 35 and 55 mm. The market launch will be staggered over several months. The 45 mm and 50 mm widths in the standard version will be launched in March 2026. The ZX+ and ZX R versions in these widths will follow in May 2026. 40 mm and 55 mm widths will appear in July 2026, with the corresponding ZX+ and ZX R models appearing between July and August 2026. The narrowest 35 mm version will arrive in September 2026, with the ZX+ and ZX R versions in this width in October 2026.
Panaracer was founded in 1952 and manufactures bicycle tyres by hand at its factory in Tamba, Japan. The company is based in Hyogo.
GravelKing ZX specifications and price summary
Sizes:
- Available in 700c with widths from 35mm to 55mm.
- Availability:
- 45C & 50C: March 2026
- ZX+ / ZX R (45C & 50C): May 2026
- 40C & 55C: July 2026
- ZX+ / ZX R (40C & 55C): July-August 2026
- 35C: September 2026
- ZX+ / ZX R (35C): October 2026
Colours:
- Black/black
- Black/brown
Prices (in Euro):
- ZX Standard: €59.99
- ZX+: €74.99
- ZX R: €74.99
Weights:
- ZX:
- 45c: 560g
- 50c: 640g
- ZX+:
- 45c: 600g
- 50c: 690g
- R:
- 45c: 510g
- 50c: 600g
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
