Do I need a sram? And if so which, or any shimano, it’s 9 speed by the way

Ooo, ooo, I can answer this one (being stuck in 2012 too 😉 ) yes you will need a Sram shifter, X5 X7 or X9 will do as long as it’s a 9 speed one. Don’t think you’ll get new from the usual retailers though so try ebay, although you can still get the old X5 3×9 shifter sets with the indicator windows new on ebay from Hong Kong/China – great shifters!

If it’s any help, I’m running an old 3×9 set up with SRAM x9 shifters. However, smashed the x9 mech to bits so my mate sold me his in new 10 speed SLX mech and after a bit of fiddling he got it working a treat. 6months on and no issues.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/gear-shifters?f=2258,4294967107,4294963681
Not that much choice but any SRAM 9sp Shifter EXCEPT the attack ones – they are compatible with Shimano instead.