GT avalanche - back wheel wont spin

Question
Hi, i recently returned to my above mentioned bike which i have not used for a while. i sat on it, began to pedal but the back wheel did not move. there was no connection it seemed. the pedals were spinning but i was going nowhere. the chain is fine, and gears appear working but it feels like the back wheel isnt attached to anything 'internally' so to speak. Any ideas what this could be and how i fix it.
many thanks in advance

Iain

Answer
lain

sorry about the delay.  I wrote one answer and sent it already and the system didn't process it correctly, so I will give it to you again:

The description you give sounds like the tiny "pawls" on the inside of the freehub that you hear click are not engaging (probably as a result of the return spring being broken).  I have repaired such a problem before, but it can be a pain getting the freehub open, fixing the spring, re-greasing the bearings and then getting the bearing tightness just right.  Not to mention needing a chain whip, lock ring tool and other assorted bike tools.
Thus, unless you are really mechanically adventurous, I would recommend you go to your local bike shop to get this repaired.  The repair should not be an expensive one (<$20) in my estimation.  If you really want to be cost-effective, though, new hubs are not expensive at all and you ought to be able to get a new Shimano XT or Deore rear hub for <$40 and have the shop lace it for you for not much money.

I hope this helps,

Graeme