Hello All, I have a 7-Speed Cannondale Killer V900 mountain bike that I bought new in 1994. I wanted to sell it, but the kind of money I'll probably be offered for it is not going to make me happy. I have started to gradually convert it into a short-distance tourer/excursion bike. The issue I am facing now is whether I can or should spend the money to convert it to a 9-Speed.

I have replaced the stock crank with a Sugino XD300 26-36-46. The original wheelset has also been replaced by a Mavic XC 717 rims laced to Shimano XT hubs. I was able to buy this wheelset for a fantastic price from Performance Bicycles. This wheelset is being used with a spacer, so as to accomodate my 7-Speed cassette.

The questions are these:

1) If I can find affordable Deore LX or XT shifters and corresponding brake levers on E-Bay, would these components work okay with my present LX front derailleur, XT rear derailleur and my cantilever brakes? The brakes are kind of sufficient for me, and frankly, I do not want to spend more money than absolutely necessary on this bike.

My main thing, is the fact that I do not want to give the bike away for cheap, and If I have to spend a few more dollars in upgrading it, I'll do it, but very reluctantly.

I envision eventually equipping it with panniers, throwing my camera into the panniers, and going on 50-60mile rides, while stopping to have lunch and take pictures frequently. Being fast is not an issue, but being comfortable is, as well as the rig being reliable.

If it helps, I already have a road bike that I get my speed-fix from.

Thanks for all responses.

Regards,