Is there a way to have a linear gradient follow the center of the path?

I am looking to create a "chrome" railing and would like the gradient to be centered on the center of the path.

The two instances to the left of the selected path have the same gradient applied to the stroke, however one path is bending more left and one more right and the gradient is staying where it should.

I would like the gradient to curve when the path bends.

Hmmm...

I could, stroke the path with two different thicknesses and outline them as two separate objects and fill each slightly differently. 

Outlining the path thickness twice works, It is close, just much more tedious..

Another option would be to have stack/moveable "layers" for the object at the fill and stroke level. Each with it's own attributes.