The Panaracer GravelKing SK II 700x40c Tyre is a more aggressive, all-conditions gravel tyre compared to the semi-slick SS+ version, designed to give you extra grip and control when terrain gets looser, rougher, or more technical.
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What it is
The SK II is a knobby gravel tyre, meaning it has a more pronounced tread pattern than the SS+:
- Designed for mixed and loose terrain
- Better grip in corners, climbs, and unstable surfaces
- Still efficient enough for fast gravel riding
Key technologies
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ZSG Gravel Compound
A natural rubber compound that balances:
- grip on loose surfaces
- durability over long distances
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TuffTex+ casing
Reinforced construction for:
- strong puncture resistance
- reliability on sharp gravel and rough trails
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BeadLock
Improves tubeless sealing and rim retention for lower-pressure riding.
Ride characteristics
Compared to the SS+:
- More grip on loose gravel and dirt
- Better control in corners and descents
- Slightly slower rolling on smooth roads
Where it excels
- Mixed terrain gravel riding
- Loose, rocky, or uneven surfaces
- Wet or variable conditions
- Bikepacking and long adventure rides
- Technical gravel routes with climbing and descending
Strengths
- High confidence on loose surfaces
- Strong puncture protection for long rides
- Versatile across changing terrain
- Stable at lower pressures for comfort and grip
Trade-offs
- Slightly higher rolling resistance than semi-slick tyres
- Not as fast on smooth gravel or road sections as SS+ tyres
SS+ vs SK II (simple comparison)
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GravelKing SS+ → speed-focused, dry fast gravel, racing
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GravelKing SK II → grip-focused, mixed terrain, more technical riding
Bottom line
The SK II is a do-it-all gravel tyre with extra bite, giving you more confidence and control when conditions become loose, rough, or unpredictable—at the cost of a bit of speed on smooth surfaces.
