Touring - Tire advice

I have a Schwinn Tour DLX (here is the specs (http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/bike-archive/2010/world-tour-dlx#/specs)). I was wondering if anyone could give some advice in terms of using wider tires. I currently have 700x32c tires, but would like to put on winder ones as I will be riding in pretty rough terrain.

Thanks in advance.

I can't find specs stating max tire size, do you know the max size it can take or have you measured the distance between the existing tire and chain stays, chain stay bridge or fork crown? I find that flattish profiles can make for improved rough road handling and not just larger tires.

Same size , maybe a more rugged tire like premium priced
Schawlbe Marathon Plus ?
only a 29er will let you fit something huge enough to make much difference.

It comes with Conti Sport Contact 700x32c tires. I have found that they are very good, but I use 700x37c. You might want to consider them.

It comes with Conti Sport Contact 700x32c tires. I have found that they are very good, but I use 700x37c. You might want to consider them.

I've been extremely disappointed with Continentals. While touring two years ago I tried a set of folding Contacts in a 37mm. I blew out 4 tubes...2 on each wheel...and had to hitch a ride to get tubes before I figured I out to run them at 10 or 15 psi below the recommended pressure. I've noticed that all Continents I've use fit loosely on the wheel.

I bought a pair of wire Contacts in Ohio just this week...West Virginia is hard on tires...and didn't make 200 miles before the tire delaminated. About 4" of the tread just split. I won't be using anymore Continentals.

tchauradar, If you can fit 35 mm tires I suggest Panaracer Pasalas. They're somewhat heavy, but have worked well for me on/off road.

Brad

Unfortunately the Contis seem to vary with model. I felt Contacts in 26x1.75 were slow as he!!, but I have had good luck with the Sport Contacts, both in 26x1.6 and 700x37c.

Same size , maybe a more rugged tire like premium priced
Schawlbe Marathon Plus ?
Those are super heavy duty. They are also super heavy and not by a small margin. Additionally the very stiff sidewalls offer a poor ride IMO. If concerned about flat resistance above all else they are OK, but personally I think they ride like anchors. Some folks love them though.

Edit, I forgot to mention I really like Continental Gatorskins. They are probably not what you are looking for though as they do not come in wide widths.

I have some Panaracer Pasela TG's on my tandem in a 700x32. Pretty happy with them. I'm sure they are available at least up to a 35c, maybe more.

I used Shwalbe Marathon Plus in last long term tours and I'm going to use them in my future tours. But only in the tours. I have lighter tires for everyday rides.
Their perfect stability to punch was very valuable on south roads. There is thorny grass plant like this (http://img0.liveinternet.ru/images/foto/c/0/978/640978/f_20821514.jpg). I took part in tour by Crimea where some people got 5-7 punches at once and repaired their wheels quite often. That punches can be got not only on dirt roads but also on roadsides for example. I had Shwalbe Speed Cruiser slicks. They are more stable but not very much. I got 3 punches in 14 days of our tour.
Next year I purchased Shwalbe Marathon Plus and visited Crimea again. I passed 1400 km in two weeks and never repaired my wheels. This year I passed more 600 km by mountains of South Russia and also never got punches. After 2000 km they look like new.

Thank you all for the advices. I think I will buy a pair of these ones (http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_plus). Does anyone know a good online store. Unfortunately, the Schwalbe store is out of it. Thank you in advance.

Thank you all for the advices. I think I will buy a pair of these ones (http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_plus). Does anyone know a good online store. Unfortunately, the Schwalbe store is out of it. Thank you in advance.

Those tires look great if you like tractor tires, but sometimes tractor tires are necessary, particularly in the Third World.