Which is faster?

Depends on the cyclist.

.... and on the terrain.
Having added that, if a "highend fitness hybrid bike[s]" were faster on the roads, then we'd see some Tour riders on them. But if you are talking about cyclocross or trail riding with loose sand, rocks, roots & all, then I'd opt for a cross bike rather than either a roadie or a "highend fitness hybrid bike".

Maybe you should consider how fast do you want to ride. Below a certain speed in calm winds or while riding in a paceline, a road bike will have a limited advantage over a hybrid due to aerodynamic effects.

The literature I have read and my own experience suggests that somewhere above 18 mph, the advantage of a road geometery becomes apparent. A rider in an upright position will be doing a lot more work than the same rider in a more streamlined position. No amount of carbon fiber or high tech goodies will make the upright rider noticeably faster than simply leaning over more.

Regardless of price, a fitness bike geometry will not be faster than even an entry level road racer. To me, a high end fitness bike doesn't make a lot of sense - especially for someone who dosen't understand their attributes. I think this is a niche product for someone who really knows and understands what they want from a bike.

So if you plan on long stretches of fast road riding - the road bike is the best tool for the job. There is variety within the road category, there are models which lend themselves to a more upright position but still have drop handlebars to give more hand positions and get low and go fast (Trek Pilot, and specalized Sequioa come to mind). Cross bikes, too, have a lot of good features and can also go fast.

Since you are just starting out, do not get hung up on the terms high-end, entry-level and the like. These terms have little to do with the speed capability and generally apply to more subtle items like weight, feel and bragging rights. I gather that you really do not know what "fast" really means yet - I know I didn't until I started regularly riding in groups. When that old man on the group ride with the vintage paramount sporting downtube shifters and a bent handlebar drops you week after week without breaking a sweat, then you will begin to realize what fast is.

you our wrong, Fitness, hybrid bikes can be plenty as fast, so their! The sirrius specialized limited retails for 2100.00 dollars so it is fast. Just b/c you have drop downs doesn't mean it will make the ride faster, that's not true. SO you our telling me that fitness bikes high end ones aren't fast at all, that's wrong.. You can easily go fast down hill on them and on the straights.

jr, if you already know the answer, why did you bother posting the question? Maydog spent some time giving you a very good response and detailed response, yet all you did was reply "you our wrong". My guess is he won't waste any more time trying to educate you.

Quoted post said:

The sirrius specialized limited retails for 2100.00 dollars so it is fast.

By that logic, a Hummer H2 ( 2011 base price $53,000 ) would be faster than a Corvette ( 2011 base price $49,000 ) because it costs more.

I know some powerful riders who are darn fast on a MTB, so yes any bike can be ridden fast by a strong and accomplished rider. Also, better bikes are easier to ride faster. That said, all things being equal, (including rider weight, strength and skill) a well built $2,000 road/racing bike will give the rider an edge over his competition on a $2,000 fitness/hybrid on a paved surface. They might both go by very fast but I'd bet $10 on who'll go by first.

nope, hybrids our faster.

dude you suck.

he's trolling guys.. just ignore.

No you suck, and I could take you on any hybrid anyday of the week, I'm faster than you.

So, did you buy the bike?