I have used 9 spd sti shifters with a 7 speed drivetrain just fine, you just have some empty clicks. If you have small hands, I recomend the shimano ultegra level brifters that are designed for small hands (ST-R600), these are the ones I used with an older 7 speed drive train just fine.

http://www.lickbike.com/productpage....B='0496-03'