Are black spokes weaker?

[stephec]

Surely it's not too much trouble for the LBS to say "We don't have black spokes in stock, but can order a set in if you're willing to wait a few days."

That's exactly what Eddie McGrath's in Urmston did for me.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Surely it's not too much trouble for the LBS to say "We don't have black spokes in stock, but can order a set in if you're willing to wait a few days."

I agree, but the economics of the situation is what's behind it all. Black spokes are supplied in boxes of 72 or 100, depending on the brand. If someone just needs to replace one or two spokes in a wheel, the remaining spokes in the box will lie around for years. I really mean years. If you just look at one style of spoke you have to stock 42 lengths to cover the spectrum and the chances of the next customer wanting one from the box you already have is slim. This is a big issue for big and small bike shops.