Mountain Biking - handlebar angle

Is there a "correct" handlebar angle? Just installed my new Monkeylite bar and was just wondering. I installed it with the rise angled back towards me. Is it normally that way or straight up?

This is how I did strictly from the point of view of ergonomics. Sit down like you would when riding. Hold your arms in the position that you would when riding and grasp the handlebars. The rise should be naturally in line with your wrists and brake levers so as to not bend your wrists / arms / back / shoulders at a wierd angle.

Essentially that will place the bar towards you (I don't know degrees because every bar is different mine is slightly less than 0). Make adjustments where you think you need it. BMXers tend to like it more tilted up. I find that very uncomfortable for riding trails. :)

Cheers.

i've got a monkey lite as well (the 'higher rise' one) and i've got it positioned so that the grip area is pretty much flat or parallel w/ the ground....feels comfy for my HT XC riding....and don't over tighten the clamp bolts! Carbon doesn't like being squashed!

I've got them pretty much like Maelstrom said, in-line with my arms, wrists. Guess I'll just have to go for a long ride tomorrow and test it. ;) And I was careful not to over tighten the bolt on the stem. Easton recommends 60-70 inch-pounds. Wish I had a torque wrench that went that low.

This may be little easier...the stickers on the handle bar should be facing full front, but with a little tilt backwards.:D

What if you have no stickerS?