Triathlon - aero bars

When looking at other riders with aero bars I notice that the angle at their elbow is almost 90degrees. I am using a pair of Sytnace C2 bars.........the angle at my elbow is around 65degrees. Am I set up wrong or does this angle not really matter? FYI - I am riding a 2004 Specialized Allez Elite. Thanks in advance for the info.

As close to 90 degress as comfortable is optimal. All the gory details: http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/bikefit.html

As close to 90 degress as comfortable is optimal. All the gory details: http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/bikefit.html

Can I simply move the aero bars up to achieve a 90 degree angle or do I need to move my seat forward? Moving the aero bars up seems like the easiest solution.

seat forward, definitely.

it should bring you further over your pedals, making you more efficient

Seat probably needs to be moved forward, but what size bars are you using? Are they too long for you? I suspect it's a combination of the C2's being the wrong size for you and the seat being too far back... In general, you need to use a stem 10mm shorter when in aerobars to get the proper reach.

Seat probably needs to be moved forward, but what size bars are you using? Are they too long for you? I suspect it's a combination of the C2's being the wrong size for you and the seat being too far back... In general, you need to use a stem 10mm shorter when in aerobars to get the proper reach.

My Syntace bars are size Large. I am 6'3 so I believe Large is the right size. I moved my seat up which helped a little but my arm angle is still not at 90degrees. The Syntace bars are a bit different as they support the arm at the elbow rather than the forearm. Maybe this is creating the bigger angle?

It might be worth going to someone who can help you dial in the placement of your bars, and your seat etc. We all fit our bikes and aero setups differently, so what might be "optimal" for some, might really suck for others. It is also true that if you haven't ridden with an aero set up before, or ridden it very long, you may have to work toward "optimal". Last year I messed around a bunch with getting myself set up the way I thought I should be based on the advice of articles and observations. This year I went to a shop where someone helped me with the placement of everything. I'm more comfortable for it, and I'm not creating an air scoop with what I thought was the right placement of the bars.
Anyway, just my $.02. What worked for me, may be of absolutely no interest to you.

Are you running a tri bike? Size of the frame will affect your seating position and how far your 'reach over' the front wheel.