this is about my wife's +/- 2010 Marin Fairfax ALP...it's a flat bar, 3x8 speed...

The left trigger shifter (Shimano ST R225-L) came apart on her ride to work; she collected most of the pieces, but a critical bushing is missing (and maybe a spring...)

So I tried to find a replacement for the shifter, and ordered a set of what seemed to be a close match: Shimano ST EF51. However, the new left shifter has too much pull for the FD--which is a top clamp, bottom cable, model R-443--even with slack in 1, it wants to shift into 3...

The front shifting system was never all that great, so I could be persuaded to replace the FD. FWIW, the RD is a Sora, and the new right shifter works great.

Suggestions for a new FD? or stick with it and find a replacement for the original shifter?

Thanks!

That shifter is a MTB shifter and needs a MTB front derailleur. Or a 8 speed road shifter setup.
Looks like this is your best bet:
Shimano ST-R225 Left Flat Bar Road Bike Shifter 3-speed | Bikewagon
or
Shimano Claris R240 Brake & 8sp Gear Shifter Set | Chain Reaction Cycles

thanks...what do you think about changing out the FD...maybe to an Alivio?

Friction shifters make any FD compatible..

Put a thumb shifter on the left side..

yeah, I have a nice set of Suntour thumbies...but there are a few things in this world you don't have to share with your wife. I think she would greatly prefer an indexed solution.

projecting rather than asking, are we?


Right one on the left side can go underneath where thumbs are.

There is a $12 set sold, new with cables . They Work


alternative : IGH/ Cassette rear Hubs from Sturmey or SRAM & no FD at all
and the triple in the Hub shifts at any time even stopped ,
so really useful for grabbing the low range when bogged down on a Hill
and Not already in the Granny Gear on a triple crank..

Any of the MTB derailleurs should work. You will need to check your application and match the specs - high or low mount, seat tube diameter, pull, chain ring # and diameter.

this is getting very weird...as I learn about the variables...the big chain ring is 52T...there appears to be no shimano mt bike FD that can handle more than 48T

but going back to the other alternative, to replace the shifter--the original road bike trigger set is no longer made. (one or two on EBay, from Taiwan)

The friction idea is getting traction...

The Bikewagon link I provided - isn't that what you need for $10?

it said "not in stock" :-(

ah - that's a problem