Why not get a 7 speed cassette 13-26 ?
Is the current hub 36 spoke? You could just buy a new rim and spokes, replace the current hub. Old hubs can be overhauled with new bearings and grease so that they roll smoothly again.
If you go 9 speed, you'll need new shifters too.
Last edited by Mr. Beanz; 07-12-11 at 08:12 PM.