just got shot a PM from a member here who is willing to take a look at my bike. i just did a bit of research about tightening the cog by riding forward (with a good amount of force) and after doing that about twice, the slipping has dispersed. still don't know if its slipping when I backpedal because I do not want to take any risks with the hub. sort of sucks that my housemates "the hour" came perfect and ready to ride out of the box without any weird issues such as mine and yet my bike cost $60 more .