Comment 4 for bug 168787

username132 markers converted from objects will retain their color.

But markers will not bend (flex) to the path. If you want your object to bend you need to use Pattern along Path effect. Using that effect won't preserve the object style (colors...) but you can always use Paste Style on it from the original object. Copy the original object, then select the modified one (without the style) and choose Edit > Paste Style.