Other STI options - 7 speed Shimano RSX or Microshift - if you have 7 speed on it now you would not have to get a new rear wheel and cassette. Or consider Shimano 9 speed Ultegra or 105. Requires same size hub as 8 speed and maybe easier to find. You’ll need some down tube cable guides that fit over the over the shifter bosses.. I’ve never had to cold set a 126 frame to fit a 130 hub. I resisted brifters for many years, but once I tried them I’ve installed them on most of my keeper bikes.