Originally Posted by
bikemig
You don't need to replace the RD if it is working to go to 9 speed; just the shifters. If the RD no longer works properly, you can also look at microshift RDs
https://www.microshift.com/en/produc...ar-derailleur/
Microshift also has 9 speed brifters and bar end shifters.
The current 7 speed RD is worn out and needs to be replaced. I don't trust it for a long tour. The Microshift RD-M36L looks pretty good and the reviews online are decent. That might be an option. Still have to find a new right shifter and the indexing on it is wonky. It tends to wander out of gear. Maybe a good cleaning?
The other option is NOS Deore LX 7 speed RDs that pop up occasionally on eBay.