I’m building my first bike. Had an 80s Miyata 610 with a busted fork (donor frame) and a 90s Aquila road bike with a cracked frame (donor wheels and components) that I’m building in to a gravel bike.

The mech from the Aquila is 1055 series Shimano 105 which I understand can handle a 9speed shifting (but was a 7spd on the bike).

I got some used 9 speed brifters and cassette and thought I was good to go, but learned that my wheel is a 7spd Freehub.

I do do have another wheel that has a 8,9,10 speed Freehub on it, but I don’t have high confidence in that wheelset.

Question:

Can I swap the Freehub out easily and go 9spd with the kit I have?

Or

Should I set it back up for 7spd and call it a day? I’d prefer brifters so this is not my favourite option. Maybe bar end shifters?

Or

Get my other wheelset serviced (not sure I’m there yet) and use those? Concern here is the sidewall of the rim seems worn - although I have no experience with that condition.