The question is related to the question: [detecting weak equivalences in a simplicial model category](https://mathoverflow.net/questions/309538/detecting-weak-equivalences-in-a-simplicial-model-category/309546?noredirect=1#comment771217_309546)


Suppose that we have a simplicial model category $M$ and denote by $M^{f}$ the full simplicial subcategory of fibrant objects. Suppose that $R$ is a subcategory of $M^{f}$ such that for any object $m\in M^{f}$ there exists an object $r\in R$ such that $r$ is (zigzag) equivalent to $m$ i.e. $r$ and $m$ are isomorphic in $Ho(M)$ the homotopy category of $M$. Let $w: a\rightarrow b$ be a morphism in $M$ such that for any object $r\in R$ the induced map of simplicial sets $w^{\ast}:Map\_{M}(b,r)\rightarrow Map\_{M}(a,r)$ is a weak homotopy equivalence of simplicial sets. 
Can we conclude that $w$ is a weak equivalence in the model category $M$ ?


If $R=M^{f}$ this is true and is proved in Hirschhorn's book.


**EDIT :** The question is very general, and it should have a formal answer in case it is true. After trying all suggestions (in the comments and deleted answer) and reading Hirshorn's book I had the impression that maybe the answer to my question is **no**, and there should be a counterexample. In the Hirshorn's book the fact we test for all fibrant objects seems to be essential. 



detecting weak equivalences in a simplicial model category II
I think the following gives a counterexample:


Take the category of morphisms in $\operatorname{SSet}$, i.e., the category $\operatorname{Fun}(C,\operatorname{SSet}),$ where $C$ is the category with two objects and one non-identity morphism. Equip this category with the projective model structure. $R$ will be the category of morphisms $f:X\rightarrow Y$ where $X,Y$ are Kan complexes and $f$ is a $\operatorname{SSet}$-cofibration (i.e., monomorphism.)


Let $a$ correspond to the morphism $\operatorname{Sing}(S^1)\rightarrow\Delta^0$ and let $b$ correspond to the morphism $\Delta^0\rightarrow\Delta^0.$ 


If I haven't made a mistake, with these choices, $\operatorname{Map}(b,r)\rightarrow\operatorname{Map}(a,r)$ is even an isomorphism for all $r\in R$. Every fibrant object in $\operatorname{Fun}(C,\operatorname{SSet})$ is equivalent to an object of $R$ (factor your morphism into a cofibration+trivial fibration and take the trivial fibration part.)


