The hub bub set up works but not nearly as well as a Shiftmate. For $40 the Shiftmate will give you factory like performance.
true, I would consider the shiftmate. I didn't get to setup 9sp first-hand, but considering how well 8sp worked, I can't see 9 speed being too difficult.
of course, check the chain, and make sure the hanger is straight. <--- extremely important!
pull down into the smallest cog, tighten the rear shifter cable until it wants to jump to the next larger cog, and loosen the cable a 1/2 turn. run the the cogs and tune out any skipping in 1/4 turn steps.