Gravelking invented gravel? Panaracer is Gravelking (among other things)!
Well, not really. There is some blurred connection, but it is not so direct nor is it completely accurate. But unquestionably, Gravelking ignited gravel. Or an all-road cycling. It's like throwing a gasoline in a fire.......
Let's start from the beginnings. In faraway Japan (yes, Japan!) Granfondo rides are a very, very popular thing. And that was long before it became so in Europe or North America. With two important differences/characteristics/features:
1. Mostly, they were ridden (and still are ) with steel bikes (yes, as well as the indestructible Keirin races across Japan) which still pays homage to the Japanese tradition of making steel frames that still survives or even "blooms" again within the current "steel is real" movement. And the "Rim Brake Defense" team is pushing them forward also........ But that's a topic for another blog entry.
2. In Japan, Granfondo races have a much bigger habit of "pushing" their routes out of the asphalt, onto various tracks, semi-paved roads and somewhat more demanding terrains.
In order for the Panaracer to meet the needs of Japanese Granfondo cyclists (and this is the majority - recreational cyclists like us) and allow them to ''roam'' relatively carefree off the asphalt surface, the world's first version of the "all-road" tire was produced - Panaracer's Tourer.
In the early 2010s, Panaracer increasingly realized that various races were developing in North America that resembled Japanese Granfondo routes and gradually increasingly led their participants off the tarmac into the vast expanses of the North American continent. At that point, Panaracer engineers created Gravelking models for riding on mixed terrain. From there, it all moved very quickly towards what the gravel represents today - a carefree ride with no obligation to necessarily stick to dangerous and boring road (paved) routes. So, the first tire was designed for us. A hobby cyclist with serious intentions, the Strava complex and the list of adventurous Komoot routes.
And yes! Gravelking (like everything from Panaracer) is made in Japan. Completely and totally. From various petrochemical products, through synthetic fibers to textiles.
'' Fun Fact '' - many TOP models of all world famous brands of bicycle tires are made in Japan. And there is only one bicycle tire factory in Japan. Guess which ....... :-)
Ride carefree and go boldly forward!
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