Originally Posted by
FBinNY
Shifting in the direction where you're pulling the cable is usually sharper than that there the hub's return spring is. However if the difference is big, it might be that you're not easing off some pedal pressure during the shift. The sliding parts that make the transition from one drive path to the other are under load when you're pedaling and the added friction of the load can be too much for the return spring to overcome.
Thanks for the response. It's definitely not just a matter of easing up on the pedals, that doesn't seem to make much difference. I have other 7- and 3-speed Nexus bikes so I'm used to the feel of downshifting and this can be 2 - 5 seconds longer than on those bikes (where it's nearly instantaneous). Maybe it's an issue with the return spring? Maybe I need to lube it inside somehow? Though I hear that is very rarely needed.