@fizzy.bleach - 9 speed is an easy route as most stuff is cross compatible. If you wanted to go 2x9 then for shimano the front mech needs to match the shifter - ie shimano mtb front mech = mtb shifter / Road front mech = Road shifter. Unless of course you use friction, then it doesn't matter.
Love those old French style top tube shifters
@fizzy.bleach - 9 speed is an easy route as most stuff is cross compatible. If you wanted to go 2x9 then for shimano the front mech needs to match the shifter - ie shimano mtb front mech = mtb shifter / Road front mech = Road shifter. Unless of course you use friction, then it doesn't matter.