Bicycle Mechanics - rear wheel under tension, won't turn freely?

Completed a complete rebuild of an older Waterford road bike back in February, older frame with new components. Have been riding and enjoying the new bike since mid March, its a great ride except its different from my Trek 2300....its always appeared to be much slower? More difficult to peddle uphills and on a normal decent where my Trek would be rolling at 35mph, the Waterford coasts down the same hill at 28mph? Was putting it away yesterday when I caught the rear tire on a weight bench, happened to check the spin of the rear wheel and I noticed that I have to really push the crank to move the rear wheel, plus when its freespinning the cassette looks like it slips forward while the rear wheel is moving forward? Compared to my Trek, the Trek will spin freely forever? Anyone have any ideas?

I always thought the bike was slower just because it was a couple of pounds heavier but maybe mechanically somethings wrong?

Tim

I assume you've checked that the brakes aren't rubbing?

The other likely thing is that the rear hub bearings need an overhaul. It's possible to adjust the wheel bearings in a way that will virtually prevent the wheel from turning at all. The park tool site has a page on overhauling hubs.

I'm assuming the Waterford has good quality hubs, and new bearings (use grade 25) or maybe just a good cleaning, repacking, and adjusting will do the trick. The park link mentioned by KevinF: http://parktool.com/repair/byregion.asp?catid=57&imageField2.x=33&imageField2.y=8

What kind of rear-hub? If you've got ball-bearing & cone type, they need to be adjusted a little loose so that when you tighten the QR, the bearing-clearance is reduced to be smooth. Compare how the wheel spins with the QR fully-tightened vs. barely holding the wheel on.

Danno, I believe the hubs are Ultegra. Will have to check when I get home.
Thanks,

Tim

My bike mechanic buddy mentioned that it could be the hub or freewheel? Whats the freewheel?


Tim