Perhaps what is most impressive about the Assos LL.Bonka bib tights is the fact they offer so much cold weather protection, yet manage to be thin and lightweight. This is made possible by Assos's ability to design and create their own fabrics, instead of being forced to use the existing materials and fabrics available through textile manufacturers and then incorporating them into garment designs. In short, if they need a particular fabric to fill a design gap, they create it. The hardcore group of testing personal is called Werksmannschaft, while the development lab comprised of a network of textile engineers is referred to as Assos Textile Laboratory Lugano. Put the two together and you get class-leading products like the LL.Bonka s7 bib tight.

There are about a half dozen different fabrics used to create this garment, each with a specific purpose and task. For insulation Assos uses RX Heavy, their thickest (but compact) fleece. This fabric has a compacted waffled texture for wicking and warm and is located in the front panels and wrapped around the knees. Lighter and lower volume RX Light elastic fleece is used on the back of the tights as well as behind the knees. The brilliant combination of these two fabrics allow for extreme warmth with an exacting fit and optimal dexterity. Assos includes blasenSchutz technology which is an inserted panel of windblock fabric between the crotch and abdomen panel of the knicker. This adds a layer of frontal protection from crisp cold air temps to a very sensitive area. Water spray from the road is a challenge for any winter cyclist, and Assos has the solution. It's called waterBarrier. Constructed from Type.009 textile, waterBarrier is located at the lower section of each leg, almost like a pair of spats. WaterBarrier completely repels water or any type of road spray and effectively keeps an area of your legs that normally get soaked, bone dry.

One thing to note about all of this technology is with all of the cold weather protection and cutting edge design, the LL.Bonka is incredibly low volume. Less bulk and volume translates to more freedom of movement and a general nimble feel on the bike. Additionally, Assos uses an overlock four needle stitch which provides a tight bond between panels and add plenty of elasticity for an organic feel.

For seat pad detail, Assos wisely chose the Cento s7 insert. This 10mm pad is elastic which greatly cuts down on friction and chafing. The pad features GoldenGate technology, which means it is only attached at the front and rear of the insert, allowing the un-stitched center to free float and act as if it were a natural extension of your body. This give the s7 pad an organic and comfortable sensation. The padding and support hail from the Assos designed memoryFoam which features a shock absorbing, closed cell foam construction. The memoryFoam padding returns to its original form as soon as pressure is released. This means that every time your pedaling position changes, you move on the saddle or shift your weight, memoryFoam foam fills the gap. The foam is placed in strategic areas including around each side of the prostate area to create a well for pressure release. The top layer of the chamois is billed as Assos superAir and is located directly under the top sheet. This waffled pattern design dissipates heat by creating proper air flow, while simultaneously wicks moisture and perspiration away from your body. Anti-bacterial threading is used on the top sheet to help keep the top pad clean and sanitary.

The uppers of the LL. Bonka have anatomic and flat suspenders that use Assos's Y7 Bib Carrier strap design. These straps are s-shaped, super flat and move towards the outside of your chest which offer better support while being lower profile. Thanks to Assos, bib straps no longer have to sit directly on your clavicle. The Y7 carriers offer the support you need while feeling like they are not even there.

Assos employs their proven AEPD II, Advanced Ergonomic Pattern Design concept to make the garment fit like a second skin. When you first put the bib tights on, you will notice they pull in certain areas and the fabric around the knees tend to sag. When you get on the bike and assume the cycling position, the garment transforms into a second skin. You can have you cycling clothes fit when your sedentary or when you're cycling, you cannot have both. Assos chose the latter and it works like a charm.