Originally Posted by linberl

FWIW, I just replaced a rear wheel because my lbs said the freehub body was shot and could not find a replacement (too old). The difference between that wheel and the new one in terms of pedaling effort is substantial. I was definitely getting a lot more resistance or drag off the old hub. Maybe it only applies is the hub is "broken" but the difference has allowed me to cycle at my preferred cadence in one higher gear for the same effort.