The present invention provides a device and method for adapting a vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier to function as a stand for holding the bicycle to perform maintenance and repairs. A bicycle carrier attachment is provided which may be added to or manufactured as a part of a typical vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier. The attachment consists of a cradle with an open channel to receive and support an axle of the bicycle, an attachment device for attaching the cradle to the carrier, and a mechanism for elevating or lowering the cradle and thus the axle supported by the cradle. When the cradle is elevated, the bicycle is held in a position that allows the wheel surrounding the lifted axle to freely rotate, as is useful for maintenance functions.