Originally Posted by
jimc101
Knowing the current rear dérailleur you have would help, being a 1997, this should be Shimano, the model number should be stamped on the back of the parallelogram.
It's a Shimano 600. On the back: RD-6401 (Plus the text "VIA[?] Shimano USA").
Yes, I have the new chain ready. Before my ride yesterday, I discovered the stretch, knew what would happen with a new chain, but tried it anyway, got skipping, and put the old one back on.