Panaracer is adding another tire to the GravelKing line-up with the SS and SS+. The new tire fits in between the GravelKing and the GravelKing SK for dry, fast days when you need more than a slick tire.
The SS features a new tread pattern that is smoother than the SK, but provides more grip than the GravelKing in gravel and broken roads. The new tire uses an alternating file tread down the center before transitioning to a low profile diamond pattern and then three levels of taller tread blocks along the sides. The design makes for a faster ride on the road, but still has enough grip for climbing, cornering and transitions in and out of gravel sectors.
“As more and more races and events appeared on the gravel calendar with a wider variety of terrain, it became apparent that we needed a tire that sat firmly between the slick version of the Gravelking and the more robust Gravelking SK,” said Jeff Zell, Panaracer’s Global Go-To Guy. “We performed extensive testing with our gravel team in events like The Mid South, The Hondo, Georgia Grinduro, and others where the SS tire really shines.”
The GravelKing SS is made with a 126 TPI casing and Panaracer’s Zero Slip Grip (ZSG) compound for the tread. A nylon puncture resistant belt is added for extra protection. If you are looking for even more protection, the GravelKing SS+ adds an additional layer of ProTite puncture material from bead to bead to fight sidewall cuts.
Like the other tires in the GravelKing line, the SS and SS+ are available in black or brown sidewall options. Sizes include 700×28, 32, 35, 43mm and 650x48mm, letting roadies looking to add a little more aggressive tire get in on some gravel action, or hardcore gravel racers go with wider rubber in either wheel size.
Claimed weights run from 310g for the SS in 700×28 in either color to 540g for the 650bx48. The ProTite in the SS+ adds and additional 30-50g depending on the size.
The GravelKings SS and SS+ are available for presale now on Panaracer’s website. Availability is planned for early June 2020 for the SS, and early July 2020 for the SS+. Pricing is set at $49.99 for the SS, and $59.99 for the SS+ for the additional protection.
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