You won't believe how far the right gear will take you outside. I don't ride in ice, but commute to work in just about anything else.
My commute is only 4 miles each way, though.
I hate home trainers. Hate is the right word, too.
I much prefer to go to the gym, and to cross-train doing other things. Mostly I go to spin class (a lot more standing than you do outside), hit the elliptical trainer, and lift weights. Especially leg weights that help my IT-band knee issues, and my bum shoulder (rotator cuff issues from heavier weight lifting days when I was younger, a lot stronger...and stupid).