Many 48p are even alu or cheap steel. I'm sure Mike could make them from cheese, but how long are they going to last? Ever see what a clutchbell costs? Machined hi-grade hardened steel is not cheap.
If you look at the description for the 1/8" bore pinion it says "standard alloy" AKA not hardened. The 5mm bore does use more material, but you're mainly paying for the hardened metal which is going to last much longer. If you were wondering why the 5mm looks dirty, that's from the hardening process.
Last edited by What's_nitro?; 05.01.2009 at 01:30 PM.