Barry in GA

I need some help finding a replacement FD for my wife's 2009 FX7.3 WSD. It came with a FD-C102 for the 3x8 driveline, but has been upgraded to 3x9. The short version of the story is that SWMBO hated the EF60 8-speed trigger shifters. The solution was a set of 9-speed SL-M580 shifters and a 9-speed cassette / chain. It works OK, but the FD-C102 leaves a lot to be desired.

To replace the FD-C102, I need a 9-speed triple FD with 34.9 mm bottom clamp, top swing, bottom pull and a 47.5 mm chain line. I would prefer a 22T front chainring tooth difference rating so I can use a 48/36/26 setup (instead of 48/38/28); SWMBO needs a small granny ring. I did NOT say she is a granny, but.....

The only Shimano FD I have found that meets the requirements is the FD-M510 as used on the FX7.5.

Is the 47.5 versus 50.0 mm chain line critical?

Is there a better solution than the FD-M510?

Is there a simple way to sort through the Shimano technical information to find an applicable part? The techdoc's are thorough, but finding a part based on capabilities rather than part #'s would sure be helpful.


EDIT: Upon further review,.... the FD-C102 is listed as having a 47.5mm chainline, but the FC-M361 crankset is listed as having a 50mm chainline and that is what it measures.