Hi everyone,
I have aquired a Bridgestone Kubiki 10 sp. I took it out for its first ride today and everything seemed to be working ok until I got to a very short (not real steep) hill. When pushing hard on the pedals to go up the hill (even being geared down) it slows you down to a stop (or almost). When I got off to check it out the rear wheel sounds like it is rubbing in the hub or free wheel area making the wheel hardly move.

Once I spin it a couple times it frees up some and after pushing the rest of the way up the hill it seems to go down hills and on level pretty normally. Now that I know this would happen only going up hills I can make it do the same thing on level ground if I push it hard. In case you are thinking, no, the brakes are not on.

Could this be the hub locking up or maybe a problem with the freewheel? I have never had a problem like this with any bike. It is most noticeable on hills as you are putting more power to the pedals. It is definitely in the rear hub or freewheel area. This bike does have horizontal dropouts but the chain doesn't feel tight. Thanks for any thoughts on this.