Panaracer has added a new all-surface tyre, the ZX, to its already extensive GravelKing range. The ZX is aimed at rides where the surface changes throughout.
The tyre features a new three-zone tread pattern that Panaracer claims works for paved roads/tarmac, loose gravel descents and rocky climbs.
The ZX is available in a huge range of sizes, from 35mm up to a massive 55mm. I appreciate that Panaracer has continued to offer a wide range of sizes, alongside making the tyre in fashionable 50mm+ dimensions.
What they’re made of
The tyre uses Panaracer’s combination of a new ZSG gravel compound, paired with TuffTex protection and Beadlock technology.
The ZSG compound is said to offer a balance of low rolling resistance, long-term durability and predictable ride characteristics.
The TuffTex protection is a closely woven material that resists cuts and piercing, and runs from bead to bead on the GravelKings. The Beadlock technology is a specially shaped bead designed to work with both hookless and hooked rims. It has been tested with an array of wheels and rim-tape types, according to Panaracer.
My 45mm test tyres weighed in at 528g each. That's lighter than the similarly pitched Maxxis Rambler, at 566.3g, a little heavier than Continental’s Terra Competition at a claimed 470g and similar to the standard Terra Speed, at 516g.
The ZX will also be available in + and R (Racing) versions. The + denotes TuffTex +, which is a dual layer of TuffTex to provide extra protection against cuts and piercing punctures. The R denotes a lightened race version of the ZX, where the TuffTex layer is thinner and lighter to reduce rolling resistance and lower the overall weight.
Three-zone tread
The ZX’s new tread pattern mixes a broad, smooth centre tread for minimal rolling resistance on tarmac, paved roads, and dry hardpack gravel. This blends into an inner edge with a transitional tread that Panaracer claims engages when braking and leaning into corners.
On the outer edge, aggressive side lugs are designed to provide bite and traction in loose gravel corners, and for technical descents.
Panaracer’s Jeff Zell says: “The ZX has been tuned for the types of terrain commonly found in modern gravel racing and endurance riding. This balance makes the ZX particularly suited to fast gravel events and long-distance rides where efficiency on smoother surfaces remains critical, but grip is still needed for when conditions become tougher.”
He adds: “The GravelKing ZX is the next evolution in our GravelKing range. Designed for today’s mixed-surface riding, it delivers race-ready speed alongside the grip and durability riders need when conditions become unpredictable.”
GravelKing ZX sizing
The GravelKing ZX will be available in 700c size, ranging from 35mm to 55mm widths.
- 700 x 45C & 50C: available now
- ZX+ / ZX R spec (700 x 45C & 50C): available May 2026
- 700 x 40C & 55C: available July 2026
- ZX+ / ZX R spec (700 x 40C & 55C): available July–Aug 2026
- 700×35C: available September 2026
- ZX+ / ZX R spec (700×35C): available October 2026
GravelKing ZX colours
- Black/Black
- Black/Brown
GravelKing ZX pricing
- ZX Standard: £54.99 / $64.99 / €59.99
- ZX +: £64.99 / $69.99 / €74.99
- ZX R: £64.99 / $79.99 / €74.99
