Panaracer has expanded its ever popular GravelKing line-up with the introduction of the GravelKing ZX, an all new gravel tyre designed for riders chasing speed across mixed-surface gravel routes.
With modern gravel riding rarely sticking to one surface, moving from paved roads to loose descents and rocky climbs, there is a need for a tyre that balances speed, grip and durability across varying surfaces. The GravelKing ZX meets this demand, delivering low rolling resistance alongside the grip and durability required when conditions become more demanding.
A Three-Zone Tread for Speed and Control
At the centre of the GravelKing ZX is a three-zone tread pattern, engineered to maximise speed while preserving confident handling across varied terrain.
This is achieved with a smooth centre tread that minimises rolling resistance and maintains momentum on tarmac and hard-packed gravel. The inner edge of the ZX uses a transitional tread that engages when braking and leaning into corners, maintaining grip and ensuring a predictable feel. On the outer edge, aggressive side lugs provide the traction needed for loose gravel corners, technical descents and rougher surfaces, giving riders the control required when terrain becomes more demanding.
Together, these three zones allow the ZX to maintain speed where it matters most while delivering the feel and confidence gravel riders expect.
Optimised for Mixed-Surface Riding
The GravelKing 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.
As a result the ZX is well suited to many of the world’s most demanding gravel races and endurance events, including:
These races highlight the increasingly varied terrain that gravel tyres must handle, from smooth pavement to rough gravel sectors, and reflect the type of riding the ZX was designed to excel in.
A Purpose-Built Gravel Compound Backed By Testing
The ZX features a new proprietary ZSG Gravel compound. Consistent with Panaracer’s long-standing compound philosophy, the ZX uses a single compound formulation to maintain predictable ride characteristics and long-term durability. This, paired with TuffTex and BeadLock technologies, which help reduce damage from sharp gravel, simplify installation, and keep the bead stable at low pressures, has enabled Panaracer to create a tyre that delivers speed, control, and durability without compromise.
The ZX underwent an extensive design process, including six separate mould iterations before completion. This iterative approach has allowed engineers at Panaracer to refine the tread profile, grip characteristics, and ride feel until the tyre achieved the perfect balance.
Jeff Zell, Panaracer’s Global Go to Guy said: “We’re excited to introduce the GravelKing ZX as 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.”
The GravelKing ZX will be available in 700c ranging from 35mm to 55mm widths.
- 700 x 45C & 50C – Available March 2026
- 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
- ZX Standard – US $64.99 / UK £54.99 / EU €59.99
- ZX + – US $69.99 / UK £64.99 / EU €74.99
- ZX R – US $79.99 / UK £64.99 / EU €74.99
Or speak to your ZyroFisher Account Manager or email salesteam@zyrofisher.co.uk for further details.