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When it comes to racing The Gralloch, success isn’t just about power and endurance—it’s about preparation. And one of the most important decisions you’ll make before rolling up to the start line is your tyre setup.
With advice from our tyre partner Panaracer, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the perfect rubber for Galloway’s rugged gravel, from tread patterns and pressure to tubeless setup and pre-ride checklist. Whether you’re chasing a podium or just aiming to finish strong, this one’s for you.
The Terrain: Galloway Gravel at Its Finest
The Gralloch course is a wild mix of loose gravel, hardpacked forest roads, rocky climbs, and thrilling descents. Tyre choice plays a critical role in how your bike handles over the course—from climbing traction to cornering grip and even how much energy you save on the flats.
Top Tip: Don’t change anything last minute. Ride what you’ve trained with. Experiment with tyre choice and pressure in the weeks before the event to find your sweet spot.
Recommended Tyres: What Should You Ride?
Panaracer has a full stable of gravel tyres, but when it comes to The Gralloch, the GravelKing X1 Plus TLR stands out as the top choice.
GravelKing X1 Plus TLR
- Fast rolling in a straight line.
- Aggressive side knobs for dependable grip in corners.
- Puncture protection via the double-layered TuffTex+ casing.
- Available in a wide range of sizes.
The terrain in Galloway can be rough and rocky, so the Plus model is strongly recommended. A flat-free ride is faster than any marginal weight saving!
If you’re looking for an alternative, the GravelKing X1 TLR with its unique designed treat pattern also offers low rolling resistance in a straight line and offers excellent grip through corners in most conditions.
You can get your hands on the GravelKing X1 Plus TLR for 25% off by using code GRALLOCH25 at https://www.panaracer.co.uk/products/gravelking-x1-plus-tlr-gravel-tyre
Pressure Perfect: Why PSI Matters
After tyre choice, pressure can make the biggest difference to your ride. It affects everything from rolling resistance to grip and puncture protection.
To oversimplify it:
- Lower pressure = more grip
- Higher pressure = faster rolling
But it’s not quite that simple. There’s a happy medium to be found depending on your tyre setup and the terrain. Go too high, and your tyres won’t conform to the course—you’ll be bouncing off every stone and root, wasting energy and increasing fatigue earlier in the race. Too low, and you risk flats or instability.
Try different pressures in the weeks leading up to the race. Find what works for you—and stick with it. Race day is not the time to experiment.
Dial in your setup early and you’ll roll into The Gralloch with confidence and control.
Tubeless vs. Tubes: Go Modern or Old School?
For most gravel riders these days, tubeless is the go-to setup—and for good reason. Going tubeless offers a smoother, more supple ride and often comes in lighter than a traditional tyre and tube combo. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to run sealant inside the tyre, which can automatically plug small punctures mid-ride without a major loss of pressure. That means fewer stops and a better chance of staying in the race when the terrain gets rough.
That said, tubeless isn’t completely hassle-free. It can be more difficult to install compared to simply fitting a tube, and if you do suffer a puncture the sealant can’t seal, you’ll be dealing with a sticky mess. Preparation is key.
In the lead-up to the race, make sure your pressures are holding steady. If your system has lost air, you could be at risk of ‘burping’ air out under hard cornering or pinching the tyre between a rock and the rim. It’s worth removing the tyre to check your sealant—if it’s dried up, top it up well in advance of race day. Panaracer’s Smart EX Tubeless Sealant is a great option, sealing holes up to 6mm and lasting longer without drying out.
Finally, give your valves a quick check. Make sure they aren’t clogged with sealant—because if you do need to add air or fix a flat mid-race, the last thing you want is a blocked valve slowing you down.
Panaracer’s Smart EX Tubeless Sealant for 25% off using code GRALLOCH25 at https://www.panaracer.co.uk/products/seal-smart-ex-tubeless-sealant
Pre-Race Tyre Checklist
Here’s your go-to list to make sure you’re 100% ready:
Inspect your tyres – Look for cuts, sidewall damage, or bald patches.
Top up your sealant – Don’t skimp. Panaracer recommends Seal Smart EX.
Check your pressures – Match what you’ve trained on.
Bring spares – At a minimum: Pump or CO2 inflator, spare tube, Tubeless repair plugs, Tyre levers, Multi-tool
Practice repairs – Know how to fix a flat before race day.
Bonus: Panaracer Tech Boxes will be stationed along the route stocked with spare tubes and tyres. Look for the purple Panaracer flags.
Exclusive Rider Discount
Panaracer is offering all Gralloch riders 25% off via their UK website. Just use the code GRALLOCH25 at checkout.
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