Last Summer I used 38mm Gravelking SK Plus tyres set up as tubeless on my Genesis Croix de Fer, riding predominantly on unsurfaced former railway lines now cycle paths in France. I really liked the tyres, fast, comfortable and plenty of grip on the paths I cycled. Unfortunately a sharp object pierced the tyre and caused the carcass inner to fray to the extent that sealant could not seal the hole and a plug had too little carcass thickness to bond with. The upshot was that I had to run with a tube. It has put me off using these tyres, however I see that there is now a ‘Plus’ version of this tyre.
Does anyone have first hand experience of the ‘Plus’ version? Is the ‘Plus’ version any tougher than the standard version?
I just installed a set of 38mm GK SK+ tires on my Salsa Warbird. Had been running the 43mm GK SK tires. Planning on doing a 40 mile gravel ride tomorrow and will post some general thoughts after the ride.
flowbie - Having used a set of GK SK 43's (not the plus) for many miles last year, along other gravel tires, I would say that the GK SK's are not what would be called a supple tire, but more middle of the road. The Plus version would therefore likely be the opposite of a supple tire.
I guess ‘supple’ is a matter of opinion and experience, I am currently running Donnelly EMPs 700 x 38c and I have found them much more rigid than the standard Gravelking SKs which I thought felt very supple. I ran both at a similar range of pressures.
I’m currently in the process of coming from GK 38c slick which I killed after over 1500miles to now GK 38c + which now have about 250+ miles on.....I can say at the end off the non + tires life, it was really prone to punctures which almost always sealed up, but was a pain. I haven’t had one problem yet on these + tires. Mostly crushed limestone and city road debris which can be sharp with glass mixed in there. Hope if for good outcomes. And will mostly be purchasing them in 43c SK + for bike packing and rougher terrain.
from others I’ve talked to and read....the +’s does a a lot better job with punctures. I’m hoping that’s the outcome with me as well.
So I got my set of Gravelking SK + tires and here are my impressions.
These tires are replacing a set of WTB Byway tires which I really like but wanted more traction for loose conditions.
I first mounted these tires using tubes to help seat the tube and stretch the tire a bit. Took to about 40psi to fully seat the tire. I then reduced the pressure to 30psi and went for a ride with my daughter. They rode horribly!! They felt like I was riding with Flintstone's rock tires. I took a bunch of air out and it was much better. When I got home I measured the pressure and I was at 21 psi front and 24 psi rear. Crazy. I normally ride 30 psi front and back.
After the short ride and leaving them overnight to stretch out a bit I went to change the wheels to tubeless. After removing the tubes and putting the bead back on, the tires seat relatively easily using only a floor pump.
Riding these tires on the road at 30 psi they felt similar to the Byways, not quite as smooth or supple feeling over broken/rough pavement though. They ride very smooth for a knobby tire which was very nice. Traction cornering fast on pavement was quite good and the tires never felt like the broke traction.
On the trail as soon as I hit a section of small gravel I didn't think it was possible to kick up more small rocks than the WTB Ventures but these do. Good thing I have some framesaver on my downtube or it's going to get gravel blasted in no time by these tires.
Downhill - much more confidence inspiring than the WTB Byways. Held nicely in the corners and braking was much better as the tires broke loose less often.
Uphill - seated climbing was terrific even on short steep loose sections. Traction for days.
That's pretty much it. Gravelking SK+ seems like a decent tire so far. I haven't ridden the non + version so I can't make a comparison that way. Looking forward the riding the crap out of these tires and looking forward the extra puncture protection.
The pebble blasting from GK SK's becomes a lot more tame after you get a hundred miles or so on them, though they will always be throwing some until the knobs get worn down near replacement.
I have been riding the 35mm GK+ slicks tubeless since winter. I ride them on and off road as much as they candle I guess, considering they don't have knobs . I have yet to have a single puncture on them. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I think they ride "supple" and feel great. I ride them at 45 psi qnd they are sit around 38mm wide on the rim. I know you were asking about the knobbies, but having had some experience with the plus version of the panaracers I thought I'd give some feedback on a well used set. I like them a lot, and have a good experience.
