John, thanks for your reply. My Pure has the Shimano Tourney TX35 derailleur and the SRAM MRX, 7 speed twist shifter. Ever since I bought this bike new, it has always been more difficult to downshift than upshift, but recently downshifting became extremely difficult. For example, when downshifting from 7 to 6, I would sometimes have to move the shifter to 4 with difficulty before I could reach 6. After cleaning, lubing and adjusting the cable tension, it has improved some but still a good amount of tension when downshifting. Upshifting is no problem; I can go through the gears 1-7 with no problem.

I have tried adjusting the barrel adjusters both ways with little effect. Not sure if the problem is with the derailleur or the shifter and am unable to find any guidance online. Can the shifter be lubricated and if so, how?

Regarding the Pure disappearing from the Trek website, it is not even listed in the archived section; only the Pure S/Lowstep appears there. Also, the Shift model you referred to does not have the "Feet First" geometry of the Pure. I am thinking Trek's purchase of Electra has something to do with it's disappearance as I had read that the Pure was a copy of Electra's Townie and made through a special license agreement when the purchase was made.

Anyhow, thanks again for your response and appreciate any further guidance.

BTW, I used to live in your neck of the woods back in the early 70s when I had a condo in San Juan Capistrano and worked in Laguna Beach... good days!