Originally Posted by kimconyc

The reason why I asked if fauxto nick was using Mavics is because they are notorious for needing periodic maintenance; the plastic washer/bushing inside the freehub body as well as the pawls need to be inspected for wear, cleaned up, and lubed--this could be pretty frequently depending on how much one rides.

If one does not maintain the freehub, the wheels will have major drag when backpedaling (this is why the chain goes slack) and eventually turn into a fixed gear if things get really bad.

I should have clarified that the rims (OEM) have nothing to do with the problem.

Rogue Mechanic has some awesome videos on how to overhaul a Mavic freehub.