A tire that claims both the lowest rolling resistance and most aggressive tread in its lineup sounds like marketing contradiction, but the GravelKing X1 makes it work. Panaracer introduced this pattern in 2024 for the GravelKing's 10th anniversary—the first new tread design since 2017—and it's become the race-day choice for riders who need speed on hardpack without giving up grip when conditions get loose. The 2025 LTD version wraps the same performance in limited edition Cranberry or Honey Butter tread colors.

The X1 tread layout solves the speed-versus-grip problem through geometry rather than compromise. The center section uses tightly arranged low-profile knobs that form a nearly continuous contact patch, rolling efficiently on pavement and hardpack. Move toward the shoulders and the knobs get taller and more widely spaced, positioned higher than the center tread to engage when the tire leans into turns. The pattern also clears mud effectively—those raised shoulder knobs shed debris as they rotate rather than packing up between the lugs.

Construction follows Panaracer's current-generation GravelKing platform. TuffTex is the casing structure, combining a high thread count with bead-to-bead puncture protection that extends through the sidewalls. ZSG Gravel compound maintains grip across temperature swings, from cold early-morning starts through hot afternoon finishes. BeadLock is the bead design that makes tubeless mounting straightforward on both hooked and hookless rims—most riders can seat these with a floor pump.... Read More