This is the code that is executed in a Wire.begin() call:
void twi_init(void)
{
// initialize state
twi_state = TWI_READY;
twi_sendStop = true; // default value
twi_inRepStart = false;
// activate internal pullups for twi.
digitalWrite(SDA, 1);
digitalWrite(SCL, 1);
// initialize twi prescaler and bit rate
cbi(TWSR, TWPS0);
cbi(TWSR, TWPS1);
TWBR = ((F_CPU / TWI_FREQ) - 16) / 2;
/* twi bit rate formula from atmega128 manual pg 204
SCL Frequency = CPU Clock Frequency / (16 + (2 * TWBR))
note: TWBR should be 10 or higher for master mode
It is 72 for a 16mhz Wiring board with 100kHz TWI */
// enable twi module, acks, and twi interrupt
TWCR = _BV(TWEN) | _BV(TWIE) | _BV(TWEA);
}
As you can see there is no loop the processor might be staying in endlessly. So I doubt that this call is really freezing even if the hardware is not properly built.
@SurferTim: As you can see the (weak) internal pullup is activated, so external pullups are only necessary for setups with a higher bus capacitance (p.e. longer bus length).
Post your complete code and a wiring diagram.