The Northland area is mainly suburban in character, even though it is in the city limits. Outside of the city there are many great MTB and road trails the region. For more info on trails in Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa check out my Biking in the Midwest page . Fortunately, it is mostly contained to the freeways and interstates where car-driving maniacs beat and shoot each other. Drivers on the city streets are generally very courteous, and while most aren't all that accustomed to seeing bikers on the streets they seem to be fairly accommodating.
City streets can be bumpy in many places, especially in the central areas.
Even though in recent years the city has greatly increased the pace of repaving the roads, a hybrid or mountain bike isn't overkill. Contrary to the image many people have of the Midwest, Kansas City is actually quite hilly and can make for some challenging bike rides. At the present time the city's bus system does not have bike racks and does not allow bikes on busses. Most streets are fairly wide and there are a usually quite side streets parallel to the major roads. Where to Ride KCMO has a vast boulevard system which can be a great place to ride.