Bicycle Mechanics - Broke my 9 speed Sora Brifter :( would a 10 speed micro shift fit in well?

Kinda pissed at myself. I've spent too much time overhauling my bike when it would have been cheaper overall to just get a new one from bikes direct.

Anyways, I'm stuck with this sucker. I'm thinking of maybe getting a micro shift lever setup from nashbar for $140. Only thing is that it's 10 speed, and my drivetrain is 9 speed. WOuld it work?

First off, are you sure it's busted? Describe what's happening; perhaps there's a fix.

Mixing a 10-speed shifter with an otherwise 9-speed drivetrain won't work directly. You could:
- Also get a 10-speed cassette and chain since the shifters are the most expensive parts. This is good if you already need to replace a worn cassette and chain.
- As a placeholder until you're ready to go all 10-speed, use an alternate cable routing: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#alternate

The front derailleur should also match in number of speeds, but it isn't as critical.

Replace it with Tiagra.

I have a 10-speed Microshift brifter shifting a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain. I'm using the "alternate cable routing", and the last click is locked out by the derailleur stop. It works perfectly, as reliable and precise as my other bike's 9-speed 105 drivetrain. It's a fine replacement; I'd say it's about equivalent to 105 in finish and ergonomics. We'll see how it is for longevity; I only have about 500 miles on the bike so far. Plus, the upgrade to 10-speed later will be easy- just a chain and a cassette.

But, yeah- maybe the original Sora shifter can be resurrected by a liberal soaking in WD-40 and replacing the shifter cable. That will save 140 bucks for a while, anyway.

ended up picking up Sunrace STR-90's off of ebay for 120

Sora right is def. broken. The little cradle which holds the cable was broken by my stupidity (put a brake cable in there) and so it can't hold a cable. It was beatup anyways. But yeah, the little bit of metal broke off and so it can't work.

Meh, my bike is a frankenbike, but I probably should have just junked it and gotten a bikes direct bike.

9 speed bar end shifters are another option. But you'd probably want new brake levers then too so your non-funtional brifters don't look goofy on the bike.

The other option should have been a mercier s3x. I've put about the cost of that bike in just repairing this bike. but they're sold out :(

Check flea-bay (ebay) for Microshift shifters, you may find a new pair for a bit less than Nashbar, unless you get one of their frequent 20% off sales. I have a Microshift 8 speed setup and it works great! The shifters have a distinct click and seem just a tad slower and clunkier on the rear (with a Sora derailleur). The front is WAY better than Sora with its *&*%$#!! thumb breaking downshifts. I prefer them over Sore-ah and they look nicer too.
Don' feel too bad with your bike, I've done the same thing, just seem to learn the hard way. ;)