Brains gives a good suggestion to buy your bike in Europe rather than bringing your bike across the pond. It will cost you $75.00 each way to bring you bike with you on the plane (is it more now?).
With just a little bit of homework, you should be able to hook-up with a local bike shop at your proposed European starting point and buy a good used touring bike locally. With a little advance work, they should be able to have a correct sized bike waiting for you when you get there. Ride it, fall in love with it, and then leave it in Europe - the perfect trans-Atlantic love affair.
Even new bikes are not too expensive in Europe. Of course, high end stuff is priced about the same wherever you go. If you just want wheels to get you around on a tour, there is a lot of variety from US$75.00 to US$400.00 . While you shop for bikes, you can take the opportunity to discuss routes with the bike shop people.
Bon Voyage!