Panaracer GravelKing 28c Clincher
Ever want to simply throw bigger rubber on the road bike and go explore? Panaracer’s GravelKing, with its 23c, 26c and 28c widths, has been one of the go-to options for getting a little rowdy on the road bike. At 268g for a 28c width, the GravelKing also reigns as the lightweight champ.
While you weren’t looking, the GravelKing has expanded his empire, offering four tread and casing combinations, and no less than 23 different tread/casing/size options. There’s now an SK (small knob) version, an SK tubeless version, and even a Gravel King Mud tire based on the Panaracer Regacross.
Panaracer’s 28c version of the Gravel King has tiny knobs for dirt roads and tame gravel. © Cyclocross Magazine
Although the 23c and 26c options seem downright puny in today’s world of a 28c norm for road tires, the original GravelKing still remains a lightweight, supple fast-rolling option for the road bike crowd. Thankfully for those of us with bigger tire clearance, there’s now a new 32c width option. We haven’t tested this width yet, but guess that it might be a better choice for most cyclocrossers heading to rougher terrain.
There’s now a tan wall option from Panaracer for the GravelKing.
The tire is by far the lightest of the bunch at 268 grams and still offers a puncture protection layer, but is not tubeless. It’s a nice, supple ride that is at home on pavement and smooth dirt and gravel roads. Need more knob or volume? Look for the SK and Mud versions.
The Panaracer GravelKing tires remain a great value compared to their competition at around $46 MSRP, and are often found for less.
Panaracer Gravel King 28 Specs:
MSRP: $45.99
Width: 28mm list, 27.5mm measured on 17.5mm internal width rim at 35psi
Width Options: 23c, 26c, 32c and 27×1.5″, along with SK, SK tubeless and Mud treads
Tubeless: No
Weight: 270g list, 268g actual
More info: panaracer.com
