Gravel Tires : Panaracer Gravelking vs Maxxis Rambler

[Wannabe]

As the title says, which one of the two (both in 50mm) would you prefer for riding predominantly tar to the gravel sections, and the occasional Klipheuwel trails and similar.

As said, it would be a mixture of tar and gravel roads, nothing gnarly "offroad" riding is planned for now.

 

 

[guidodg]

Maxxis Reaver

[MORNE]

Reavers also on special at sportsman's if you can find. If its purely between rambler and GK, id go GK…rolls faster than rambler..and they look nicer imo. Reaver will feel a bit better in corners on gravel - my only real gripe with the GK. 

Edited September 19, 2025 by MORNE

[Sepia]

My experience with both under the described conditions is that the Rambler do not last at all on the rear.  GK are a MUCH better deal in my opinion.  I will never use Rambler again, purely for longivity point of view.  The Ravager is a better deal in this regard.

[W@nted]

Predominantly tar, then the new spez pathfinder.

[Wannabe]

I need 50mm and Tanwall. Black will not look as good on my bike.

 

[NC_lurker]

I'm riding 45mm Ramblers but they're on my dedicated gravel wheelset. Awesome for the intended purpose but I wouldn't run them on tar, they feel like quite a soft rubber compound. Pretty sure they're based on the Crossmark.

[MORNE]

55 minutes ago, Wannabe said:

I need 50mm and Tanwall. Black will not look as good on my bike.

 

100% Valid.

Then i think you’ll prefer the caramel brown on the Panaracer imo. 

[Baracuda]

If you are going to go for the Gravelking and use it on tar, I would strongly recommend the slick or SS. The normal version with the little squares is terrible on tar. 

The slick is not that bad off-road, it is surprisingly good if it is not too technical. 

I started off with the Gravelking, but then changed to Schwalbe RS and it is an incredible improvement, but good luck trying to find the 50c in SA. The Schwalbe and perhaps the R that they have in 50c, is a much better quality tire. https://schwalbetyres.co.za/product-category/gravel/

Improvement not only in rolling resistance, but it seals quickly, easy to set up and all the rest. 

Edited September 19, 2025 by Baracuda

[JohanDiv]

29 minutes ago, Baracuda said:

If you are going to go for the Gravelking and use it on tar, I would strongly recommend the slick or SS. The normal version with the little squares is terrible on tar. 

The slick is not that bad off-road, it is surprisingly good if it is not too technical. 

I started off with the Gravelking, but then changed to Schwalbe RS and it is an incredible improvement, but good luck trying to find the 50c in SA. The Schwalbe and perhaps the R that they have in 50c, is a much better quality tire. https://schwalbetyres.co.za/product-category/gravel/

Improvement not only in rolling resistance, but it seals quickly, easy to set up and all the rest. 

I was deciding between the Schwalbe G-One RS and the Specialized Pathfinders. Both looked solid, but could only find the pathfinders in 42mm at the time (apparently they come in 47mm now?).. ended up going with the RS 45mm and very happy with them.

[splat]

3 hours ago, Wannabe said:

I need 50mm and Tanwall. Black will not look as good on my bike.

 

These are going on my bike when I build it

https://evobikes.co.za/product/pirelli-cinturato-gravel-h-classic-700-x-50c/?srsltid=AfmBOoqu8QG06JAkXZTCo20T6kMRhRO7Y_6o7Jx4Qu07-G_anxPXT65m

[betaboy]

I got GK’s…48’s but with some trickery I’ve given them some extra girth! LOL. They sitting at 51, all day. They my training setup and the odd event if course isn’t too gnarly. Id like to try the Pirelli’s but I’m running 650B.

[MongooseMan]

Throwing a 2.1 in the mix, depending on your clearance (though there is also terreno dry in 50c wide)

Vittoria Terreno XC Race, which has a very subtle fish scale pattern down the centre, and then some chunkier knobs on the side for handling.

Really liking this one so far

Edited September 19, 2025 by MongooseMan

[guidodg]

23 minutes ago, betaboy said:

I got GK’s…48’s but with some trickery I’ve given them some extra girth! LOL. They sitting at 51, all day. They my training setup and the odd event if course isn’t too gnarly. Id like to try the Pirelli’s but I’m running 650B.

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/gravel-bike-tyres/842522/pirelli-cinturato-gravel-m-650b-x-50-set-of-2-new

 

[Wannabe]

45 minutes ago, MongooseMan said:

Throwing a 2.1 in the mix, depending on your clearance (though there is also terreno dry in 50c wide)

Vittoria Terreno XC Race, which has a very subtle fish scale pattern down the centre, and then some chunkier knobs on the side for handling.

Really liking this one so far

You've piqued my interest. I love my Vittorias on my Mtb.