Well, I installed my XTR 9-speed brifters today, along with Avid V-brakes and some crabon fibber bar ends. I was able to re-use the XTR brake cable housings, but the ones for the shifters were thrashed. After all that, the shifters aren't working too well, lol, but from what I've read, it's pretty easy to de-gunk them.
But the brakes work great now, and the cockpit has a much nicer vibe to it. 👍 I got in a short test ride, but it started raining, so I called it a day
. 🙄