I've always been chubby as a kid (pizza almost everyday), so the beer belly has always been.
Until about two years ago, I was pretty inactive and needed size 36 jeans, now a size 32 will fit me. I know it's the cycling that's slimming me down. I usually just do 10 - 40 km each day. So even with short distances, it seems to keep the calories in check.
I think by pedaling faster on the lower gears, I'd probably lose some of the bulk in my legs and end up with toned up slimmer legs. Guess that may be the only major difference.