Suitable Shimano integrated shifter/brake replacement for old STX

Question

I am looking for a replacement of an old Shimano STX right shifter, from a Raleigh MT-200 (I am pretty sure this is accurate). It is an integrated shifter, 7 gears, cantilever brakes.

Other than getting a vintage part, which is hard, I found Shimano ST EF-51 may be ok. But I am not sure if they are ok for cantilever or V-brake. Any hints?

Are there any other options out there?*

As linked here, 8 speed shifters seem to work ok.

Would 9 speed shifters also work? Where can I check specs to confirm this (I would have to check the pull length, probably a piece of information hard to find)?

EDIT: Found an answer here for the first question.

EDIT 2: This and this are posts of mine on different issues of this same replacement need.

EDIT 3: Any suggestion about this Vintage Shimano Altus 3/7 in ebay (ending today)? Is there anything specific that I should ask to evaluate its usefulness?

PS: Interesting post, with many pictures on page 4, e.g., this.

Answer 1

The ST EF-51's have a little switch in the back of them to switch between V-brake and cantilever. I found them too low quality to use reliably though.

You have several options:

1. Go to 8 speed or more and pick up some Alivio shifters. This is what I did on a 7 speed bike, and this is what I'd recommend.
2. Microshift makes some 7 speed shifters that are shimano compatible. Buy your brake levers separately. If you're not going to go 8+ speed and want indexed shifting, I'd probably try this (even though I haven't seen these used, the ST EF-51's lasted so short for me that I'd be willing to try this instead).
3. Friction shifters always work. Add your favorite cantilever brake levers.
4. SRAM Attack! 7 speed (twist) shifters work with Shimano and aren't too hard to find. Add your own brake levers.
5. Find a better grade Shimano 7 speed shifter (somebody might have old stock in a decent bike shop). Some may have V-brake only (see 6) or cantilever or bring your own brake lever.
6. V-brake levers can work with cantilever brakes with the aide of a travel agent (a pulley to change the cable pull). Alternatively, you can replace the corresponding cantilever brake with a V-brake. I'd buy a V-brake rather than the travel agent (it's cheaper and easier, e.g. Avid Single Digit 5 or 7).