Originally Posted by
bikemig
So I think you're right and the lack of a pulley is the source of the problem. The FD doesn't shift down as far as it should with the cable disconnected (I think the spring is weak) but it will shift far enough down to shift to the small chain ring.
The limit screw and cable tension are fine and not the source of the problem.
I'm not sure where to find a pulley though but maybe the local hardware store has something that could work.
Trek may have fitted a pulley on a bracket to get it above the stays, or possibly on a spacer to get it back far enough to fit.