Originally Posted by
cyccommute
Go ahead. Shouldn’t be a problem. The rumors about silver spokes being stronger than black ones is just that - a rumor. DT spokes, for example, are stainless whether they are black or silver. The black ones have been plated. Theoretically, the plating process could change the metal because of the chemicals in the plating bath but that’s a stretch and quite minor even if it happened. Buy spokes from a reputable company like DT or Sapim, however. If you buy something off of AliExpress, well, buyer beware.
As to the spokes you should use…especially if you are going to abuse them…look to DT Alpine or Sapim Strong. You can read why
here. The TL;DR version is that the thicker 2.3mm head provides significantly more strength than a spoke with a 2.0mm head.
This post gives actual data on the strength of that thicker head.
Bicycles don’t need to be dull and boring. Have fun with how you do things. For example, I have 4 different spoke nipples colors on one of my wheels
"Colorful" bikes sell faster... the two bikes in my sales racks that get the most attention are the brightest ones, currently... a yellow/black giant warp with red accents (cable housings, and in the logos, etc) and a matte white/yellow/orange/matte white fade paint job on a Spesh.Hardrock Comp.
I had two identical Raleigh 24" wheeled MTBs in the racks, the black one is still here, the red one sold quickly, for $20 more than i'm asking on the black one....
BRIGHT Green bikes sell fast, forest green ones can languish for years. One Bright Matte Green Trek Portland sold before i'd completed the tune up!... i almost kept it for myself, but it was one size too big... sigh.