Originally Posted by brainiii

Hello fellow bikers,

got my kid some 18" cheap bike, single speed. Kid complains the bike is difficult to ride the pedals, especially uphill. Kid can ride a bike in general (this is the 3rd bike) so the rider is not the issue. Also got a 20 inch bike which can ride so bike size is also not the issue. What I checked:
1) Tyres have the proper amount of air
2) I calibrated the brakes and they are not rubbing
3) Chain is in good condition and lubed.

The problem seems to be with the hubs. Basically, when u put the bike upside down and spin the wheel, it relatively quickly comes to a stop, unlike my mountain bike and all other bikes.
I don't know if this can be fixed at all? I've tried spraying oil in the hubs but it made no difference, to me it looks they are sealed???

anything that can be done? I can't seem to post pictures as this is a new account.
thanks