I'm in better shape with the smart trainer than before, but I think it's because I'm able to actually get low-intensity workouts/base training in. It does snow here, but I just ride further down the mountains and still end up riding over the golden elevation ratio of 100'/mile on almost every ride. While I get year-round climbing, it's virtually impossible to get consistent zone 2 time on the road. At least with the smart trainer, I can supplement my road miles with 4-6 hours a week of zone 2 indoors. Which means more total hours a week, and coupled with less perceived stress, allows me to be more consistent with my strength training. All this adds up to me being near my best when the big, hour+ long, Sierra passes open up in the spring/summer.