Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
I don't think that's a realistic budget for this change. To use 9-speed levers you would also have to get a new cassette and chain and maybe a new front deailleur too. So that's going to cost significantly more for all those additional components.
Agreed, I just made the swap to 9spd on a road bike and the cost was around $200.
Hub, chain, shifter, cassette.