Reviewing the all-new Panaracer X1 Gravel Tires
It wouldn’t be gravel season without a Panaracer GravelKing X1 tire review! When one of the most tried and trusted gravel tire brands released a new tire, we just had to get our hands on it. While we could have separate reviews for every model of the tire, we are going to smash all three models Panaracer offers into one long review.
Panaracer GravelKing X1 Overall
Likes
- A much more aggressive looking tread that is confidence inspiring on downhills and in corners
- Fast rolling for how knobby the tire is
- Peace of mind that you won’t have flat issues (Normal and Plus)
- Three styles: Normal, Plus & Race
Dislikes
- Not very supple but that’s to be expected with any Panaracer tire (Non- Race versions)
- Finding the color in the size you want can be hard
- Weak sidewalls on Race version
First Impressions
Before getting too deep into the view, we have been riding all three versions of the tires HARD through the rough northern route of Unbound Gravel for months, basically giving these tires a test on the roughest of the rough roads you will find.
Straight out of the box, the Panracer Gravelking X1 feels just like what you have come to expect from Panaracer, a robust feeling rubber and sidewall. You will immediately notice how large the knobs are, but once mounted, the tread forms what appears (and feels) to be a fast-rolling pattern.
We immediately threw them on the scale to see how they each weighed in with the 40c width versions. The PLUS version came in slightly overweight at 525g compared to the claimed weight of 510g, the NORMAL version tipped the scales slightly over at 485g vs the 480g claimed weight, and the RACE version came in underweight at 430g compared to it’s claimed weight of 460g. We also had a pair of Normal in 45c that weighed in at 565g vs 560g from the website. You can also tell a distinct difference in the liner makeup between the three tires, as the Plus is much stiffer than the Race, which feels incredibly soft for a Panaracer tire.
Once mounted, the tires all measured wider than the claimed width. The 40c Race and Plus version mounted to Bontragers new Paradigm Pro 30 wheel measured 42.74mm and 43.93mm which feels almost perfect. The 40mm Normal version measured in at 40.52mm on Bontrager Aeolus 37V and we threw a pair of 45c on a pair of Shimano GRX880 that measured out to 46.06mm.
Hitting the Gravel on the Panaracer Gravelking X1
The Panaracer GravelKing X1 quickly became a staple in my cycling setup for rugged gravel adventures. The combination of durability and responsiveness is a rare find in gravel tires, especially when seeking out tires that can handle rough, technical trails without sacrificing speed on compacted gravel. I’ve used the X1 on everything from fast-paced hardpack to the rocky, uneven back roads, and it’s held up impressively across all conditions.
One of the standout experiences I had with the X1 was on a 100 mile race through some of the roughest gravel and sharp rocks I’ve ever expierenced, think long section of rail road ballast. I had been a little skeptical about its low-profile tread before the trip, wondering if it would grip well enough on sharp turns or loose patches, but it surprised me. The nearly slick center allowed for effortless rolling on smoother sections, while the small side knobs added just enough bite when I needed to turn or navigate loose gravel. Even though I had to let air out to soften the ride on rougher stretches, the bead stayed locked on my rims without issues—no burping or sealant spraying out, which I’ve experienced with other tubeless tires.
The TuffTex bead-to-bead protection isn’t just marketing; I came out without a single puncture after more than a few close encounters with sharp rocks. While the tire isn’t as plush as some higher-volume options, especially at lower pressures, it still absorbs a fair amount of impact, which gave me the confidence to put down even more power on rougher sections.
The GravelKing X1 may not be the fastest tire on the market compared to pure racing tires, but it hits a sweet spot. It’s fast enough on hardpack yet strong and versatile for riders like me who value confidence in unpredictable, mixed terrains.
Final Thoughts
Since first riding and reviewing the Panaracer Gravelking X1 tires we have put in well over a thousand miles on each model of the tire, with that said, we have destroyed 3 sets of the race version of the tire. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend that version of the tire for most individuals, especially for events like Unbound Gravel.
That doesn’t mean that tire is a total miss, our athletes and myself have all agreed the risk of flats with that tire isn’t worth the time saved by using the light and softer Race version of the tire. Of the 10 athletes we had at Unbound this year on Panaracer tires, all 9 used the “normal” X1 tire version and the remaining athlete used the Plus X1 version with non having any flats.
With all of that said, the X1 tires are a great choice and even with the high mileage we have put on the tires, we have still yet to need to change one because of the tread being worn completely off.
Coach Seacat has carved a space for himself as an expert coach in the discipline of cycling. With 15+ years of coaching and prestigious certifications from USA Cycling and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Coach Seacat brings a comprehensive approach to coaching that combines advanced training techniques with fundamental cycling strategies.