I have to say that I find it a little puzzling that he is at 6'2/180 and wants to be 170 or 165. But then everybody is different and every body is different. I'm 6' and I would look starved at 180. It could be at 6'2/180 the OP has a bit of a gut, as he says.
Not sure how you would look starved at 6' foot 180, I would consider it fit looking. I have a hard time gaining muscle Certainly I am what our society (obesity epidemic) would consider "skinny" but the tiny bit of excess stomach fat I have is not attractive and serves no purpose. People pay thousands to take a pound or two off their bike, so taking 10-15 pounds off my body is cheaper and im sure I'll see some sort of improvement. There is a reason pro's are rail thin.
Counting calories has already started working, Ive lost some stomach, a few pounds, and my appetite is supressed unless I have a heavy ride day.
It also will help your Watts/KG!!