20inch “GRAVEL KING X1″
Hi, this is Clint from Bike Friday Tokyo.
First, I’d like to start off the blog with some personal updates. From 2026, I am only going to be working at Bike Friday Tokyo. I am stepping away from working at Blue Lug Yoyogi-park, where I worked for 6 years. I cannot believe that 6 years have passed.
I thought of posting a funny photo from the early days of working at Yoyogi-park, but I started tearing up so I gave up. (the reason for the tear is because I only had screenshots of inventory check. I should’ve taken more pictures during my shift)
Anyhow, I went for a last ride with the Yoyogi boys in the beggining of the year.
Waking up early and riding throughout the day with the boys is always fun. I wanna be sure to take more photos in general this year.
Okay, let’s get in to the main topic of this blog.
Panaracer has announced 20″ Gravel King tires.
I quickly installed them to my bike and a display bike for the Hatagaya store.
*CRUST BIKES* stupid tourist (S)
The tire size is 20″ x 2.1″ (406) with their new “X1″ tread pattern.
The center has a continuous tread pattern for rolling smoothly on pavement, while the sides have the most knobby patterns for Gravel King tires. Smooth on pavement, grippy off-road. It’s a well considered design for sure.
The functionality of the tires are great of course, I’m personally stoked that they have both all black and black/amber colors.
*BIKE FRIDAY* All-Packa (62)
I put the black/amber on my personal bike. I haven’t really seen a good knobby tire with tan side-walls in this size, so I’m very happy that Panaracer had released these tires.
I’ve tried so many different tires, regardless of the tread patterns, but I honesty think that these Gravel Kings are the best feeling 20″ tires I’ve rode on.
The internal structure looks like this. For the Amber, the sides features one less layer of rubber, resulting in higher cushioning. That’s why it offers such a smooth ride. The lightweight Kevlar bead construction is also adds an extra point.
They roll very smooth on concrete because of the center tread patterns. The 2.1″ width is perfect as well.
Here are the bikes we carry that are compatible with these tires.
①*VELO ORANGE* NEUTRINO
②*CRUST* STUPID TOURIST
③*BIKE FRIDAY* ALL-PACKA & DIAMOND LLAMA
Regarding Bike Friday, while many models are compatible for installation, there may be interference depending on the model year and frame specifications. However, the above models are compatible if they feature disc brakes and a 1x setup.
Of course, even if it’s not a bike we carry, we’re more than happy to do tire swap for you.
There are a lot of mini-velo models that can take big tires.
FUJI STAUT is a good one. Yes, it does have the clearance for the X1 tires.
Kuwahara Perfetto and Brompton G-Line are also great bikes that has the clearance for the X1 tires.
Even with mini-velos, I believe it’s important to customize them for a higher ride quality.
Sometimes just a few small changes from the stock setup can dramatically improve the ride quality. The bikes mentioned above all offer high flexibility and a wide range of customization options. While tires are one thing, it’s also fun to try changing the handlebars or saddle.
At BIKE FRIDAY TOKYO, where I (Clint) usually hang out, we have a variety of options for small-wheeled bikes from fat tires to skinny ones. Feel free to stop by anytime for a chat or to discuss your needs.
Having more options for 20″ wheels also means more tire options for cargo bikes, which usually take 20″ wheels on the front. Omnium bikes and Crust Clydesdale Cargo Fork are good examples.
Now you can match the front and rear with Gravel King tires!
That’s all for today! Thanks for reading!
Bike Friday Tokyo
-Clint
